choosing bar width?

Santa cruzing
Santa cruzing Posts: 157
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
I have just purchased some new shift levers to swap over to drop bars for the first time. Is there a method for determining what bar width to go for?

Thanks in advance.
AKA Captain Blackbeard
Going Top to Bottom - E2E for Everyman and Headway - Spet 2013

Comments

  • cornerblock
    cornerblock Posts: 3,228
    Not 100% on this, but I think it's the same as the distance across your shoulders.
  • Santa cruzing
    Santa cruzing Posts: 157
    Cool, that makes sense given the position - figures me as a 44 c-c

    Thanks.
    AKA Captain Blackbeard
    Going Top to Bottom - E2E for Everyman and Headway - Spet 2013
  • cornerblock
    cornerblock Posts: 3,228
    You're welcome.
  • nicktheluddite
    nicktheluddite Posts: 221
    shoulder width is what I've heard too. You're not planning on using integrated shifters with v-brakes are you? Only I think that's not advised (Sorry if I'm telling you something you already know).
  • CRAIGO5000
    CRAIGO5000 Posts: 697
    Optimal is shoulder width. You don't want to go too reduced or you risk crushing your chest together and restricting breathing. If you go too wide, you reduce your aero but gain more control.

    I went through all this when looking for a compact bar. I ended up getting the 42cm FSA Velo compact.
    Ribble Stealth/SRAM Force
    2007 Specialized Allez (Double) FCN - 3
  • Santa cruzing
    Santa cruzing Posts: 157
    Hi Nick, brakes are Mini v's so should be ok.

    Craig, I figured better to go too big than too small - id rather be able to breath better than have an extra 0.5% Aero advantage*

    *before I am called on this - actual figures may vary
    AKA Captain Blackbeard
    Going Top to Bottom - E2E for Everyman and Headway - Spet 2013
  • Nairnster
    Nairnster Posts: 602
    Sorry for going slightly OT, but why not use V's with STIs?
  • turnerjohn
    turnerjohn Posts: 1,069
    Nairnster wrote:
    Sorry for going slightly OT, but why not use V's with STIs?

    can't use standard V brakes with road Sti as the cable pull is more on V's....mini V's will be fine.

    O.P - try to get a set of compact (80mm reach and 120mm drop) your find them far more comfortable. I found going from 42 to 44 width bar helped open my chest up...not much difference to aero effect. Just be careful as different manufactures measure their bars differently (centre to centre / outside to outside / inside to inside !)
  • Santa cruzing
    Santa cruzing Posts: 157
    been don to the LBS today and picked up some bars, as said, measurements were differnt accross the range but got some that fell about right at a bargain price - wont hurt if I have to size up in the future.

    Got a nice compact drop with an anatomical bend for £17! Got tape and cables aswel, just waiting for the STI's to turn up now!
    AKA Captain Blackbeard
    Going Top to Bottom - E2E for Everyman and Headway - Spet 2013

Categories