Handlebars

Stargazer1

I have a frame and other bits that I'm building into a bike (surprise, surprise!). It's my first build and I'm confused about a lot of stuff; however it's the bars that are casuing most!

Looking at the component sites there seems to be a huge varirty if bars, manufacturers, styles, sizes.

Is there a standard width? Standard pattern (shape)?

I'm not after carbon bling, just need a good set of bars. I know they will need to fit the stem, yet to be purchased, and I'm planning on running the cables under the bar tape.

Thanks

FSR_XC

Most bikes seem to come with 42cm centre to centre (of the tube) bars. To find out the size you need, you need to measure across the back of your shoulders. I have 44cm c-c bars.

Then you need to take into account the reach. This can also be adjusted by the size of your stem.

Next is the drop. Compact or short drops are comment. It all depends on how aero you want to be when riding on the drops and how flexible you are.

Finally the curvature. 2 basic shapes. Standard and anatomical. Standard being a pretty much round curve, where as anatomical are shaped so there is a straighter area to grip when on the drops.

There are other aspects that you can consider, such as aero shape (wing), giving you a flat area across the bar, whether you want carbon, alloy or carbon wrap, weight, colour etc.

Here's a link to a set that might help you understand all of this: http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HBF ... -handlebar

Erudin

I now prefer compact bars, also use standard curve shallow drop bars, I don't get on with anatomic shape bars.

I fitted a FSA Vero Compact Road Bar to my winter/audax bike. They have 125mm drop, 80mm reach.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/video-review-handlebar/FSA-Compact-Handlebars.665.html

I find they live up to the review linked above, good ergonomics on the hoods and drops and comfortable on the wrists. I was able to mount the brakes quite high on the bend whilst still reaching the levers easily from the drops.

The design has a shorter forward reach than most anatomic bars. It also has a nice level transition on to the hoods.

Good Road Drop Bar Geometry webpage:

http://ruedatropical.com/2009/03/road-drop-bar-geometry/

"Which drop bar shape and size is best? That depends on your anatomy, conditioning, position on the bike, type of riding you do, how your bike is equipped and your bike’s geometry. One cyclist’s ergonomic heaven is another’s hell."

Stargazer1

Excellent information; cleared a few things up, thanks!