Ergo or Compact Handlebars

stevethechef
stevethechef Posts: 9
edited September 2011 in Road beginners
I have to replace my handlebars due to them getting bent in a crash. :(
What are the advantages / disadvantages of Ergo v compact bars ?
Looking at Planet x carbon bars.

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Personal preference really.

    I find 'ergo' bars anything but ergonomic, and I can never find a comfy hand position anywhere on the drops.

    I prefer a bar with a continuous radius bend from the drops up to the levers so I can put my hands anywhere along the curve.

    Compact drops just bring everything a bit closer to you, so it helps with bike fit for a shortarse like me with longer legs / shorter torso / arms.
  • EarlyGo
    EarlyGo Posts: 281
    I have ergos on both my bikes. I really like the more natural shape when you're in the drops. The only down side I find is that there is pretty much only one correct/comfortable postion for the drops so you are restricted if you want to rotate the bar to raise/lower the hoods or change the angle of the top bar.

    Regards, EarlyGo
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    As above, personal preference. I actually prefer ergo bars but you need to get a model that suits you (ritchey WCS prologic 2's I currently use on the main bike), not as pronounced ergo shape as some though.
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    I've just gone from ergo bars to compact (Ritchey WCS EvoCurve) and I'm a total convert. Did a fast 32 mile run yesterday and spent most of it on the drops. Also, I use Campag and I have small monkey hands - never had a problem using Campag hoods with ergo bars but now I have even more control. So for me, changing to compact bars has meant more comfort and more control.
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    Yep a big convert to compact bars here too. I disagree with the 1 hand position comment but would depend on your rotation and lever position. I find cruising I hold the ends of the drops more, downhill etc more forward.

    I don't think I'd want to use the long shimano hoods with anything but a compact bar now. I did a big trip this summer and spent a great deal of time in the drops as I was so comfortable and felt I had so much control wrt steering and braking.

    Another benefit is the relative position of hoods to tops on a compact bar. On my new build I'm going even shorter reach bar (ergonova) and longer stem to move the tops further from me but keep the hoods where they are, will give me a perfect climbing position on the tops.

    Still horses for courses though.
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    Seen earlyGo is talking about one position on Ergo type bars not compacts, my mistake!

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