Which Handlebars?

willharris10

I'm buying a Ribble Gran Fondo and I need to specify a set of handlebars in 42cm.

I have no idea of the differences, but I like to ride in the drops and I'm taking the 2010 Ultegra Groupset which has hidden cabling, so I'm guessing the handlebars will need to have the right resesses for the cable tubes.

So which are the best ones to get? I rather like the look of the Pro Vibe 7S (31.8) Anatomic bars. They add £41 to the overall cost. Is this the right thing to do? Or is there a consensus online that a better handlebar is the king at the moment. In fact are there any views at all on handlebars and stems? I was planning on specifying a Pro Vibe 7S stem (120mm) as well, but frankly I have no idea if this is worth spending an extra £41 on also, over the standard Deda Quatro stem.

Thoughts please?

Astonis

Bars can be a pretty personal choice. Different manufacturers will make several bars of differing reach, distance from stem centerline to the forward edge usually, and drop stem centerline to the drops. I have no idea what the Pro bar would be.
Example, I am taller, and my bars are quite low compared to my saddle. I'm not super flexible so I ride Zipp's short and shallow profile bar, its a super comfortable reach to the drops but still gets me into a good position. Most manufacturers, Pro included, will make two or three bar options, as far as shape goes, then they give them names like "Ergo" or "Anatomical", "Standard" or "Euro", and they don't always mean the same. Try to find those numbers, reach and drop, and compare.
If you really have no idea, get the Pro and try it, it won't likely kill you.

pianoman

Bars can be a pretty personal choice. Different manufacturers will make several bars of differing reach, distance from stem centerline to the forward edge usually, and drop stem centerline to the drops.

Yes indeed, if possible find a shop that stocks the bars you're thinking of getting and see if your hand shape is a good fit. Just saying this because I've gound curved-drop bars to be difficult to get a good grip on, whereas anatomic ones fit my hand size perfectly when I go to the drops (at least with Deda).

It can be bloody annoying to think "these handlebars don't suit me I'll need to take apart the bar tape, shifters etc to fit new ones". At least a wrong choice of stem can be easier to rectify and fit yourself.

redddraggon

Anatomic are awful, if you want some Pro Vibe bars go for the round ones.

willharris10

Good points. But in the end I've just gone for the Pro Vibe 7S anatomic and will just live with them regardless and see how it goes. Can't really go too far wrong and if I do, well hell, I'll change them. Had to make a decision. So I did. Look pretty good. So fingers crossed that most likely in April, when I get it, it will work as planned. Here's hoping!

willharris10

Red dragon, I'm not so sure. I had anatomic last time and I quite like the drops to have a flatter patch to grip. I ride the drops quite a lot and I'm used to the feel now.

STEFANOS4784

I like the anatomic as well.....

redddraggon

n00bs