Which handlebar?

HardrockRob

I am taking the opportunity of the recall on my handlebar to get my dealer to fit me a shiny new third party handlebar. Nothing too flashy, but something that will be an improvement on the bar that came with my bike (Spesh Hardrock Pro).

Looking for roughly the same dimensions as comfortable with them, so:

640mm width
25mm rise
31.8 dia
8 sweep/lift

Any recommendations? The FSA XC 220 looks quite nice...but might be overkill.

BlackSpur

Have you ever tried a wider bar? I thought I was quite happy with the narrow ones on my old bike but i when i got my new bike i was amazed at the difference wider bars made, especially increased control going downhill. I have 660mm bars but I would happily go wider.

HardrockRob

Would be happy to go up to 660, but not sure if 680 might be a bit too wide? Presumably you get more control from a wider bar?

The Northern Monkey

+1 for the wide bar. I love it.

Even if you find it too long, you can always cut it down.

BlackSpur

Budget?

HardrockRob

Fairly flexible...say up to £60?

BlackSpur

http://www.bikeoutlet.co.uk/products/Truvativ_Noir_Team_Handle_Bars_680mm_Carbon_Fibre-540-84.html

review:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/handlebars/mountain/product/noir-team-handlebar-09-34141

otherwise

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=8496

review:

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/handlebars/mountain/product/xc220-csi-low-riser-34001

GHill

Easton EA70 monkeybar would be my choice. 8)

Whytepeak

RaceFace Atlas AM - great bar

supersonic

What exactly was wrong with the bar to start (ie befire the recall?)

How about this?

http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/105693.html

Wider bars are a matter of preference, not performance.

jasonsutcliffe

GHill wrote:

Easton EA70 monkeybar would be my choice. 8)

Me too! If your not on a tight budget go for the carbon version, but that is probably overkill for your steed and you could spend the money better elsewhere

adb1006

Race Face Deus XC is a nice bar. They are also often on offer at CRC - buy the bars, get the stem free (or vice versa) - makes it a very good value option.

HardrockRob

Thanks for the replies guys.

Supersonic...know what you are saying. Probably nothing "wrong" with the bar, but, why buy a rolex when a Casio tells the same time... (for the record, I have the Casio)

So decided that I would up the bling factor, save a smidge of weight and went for the Race Face Deus XC.