bar width

radiation man
radiation man Posts: 446
edited October 2011 in Road beginners
im getting some new bars but not sure which size to get the bars on my 2 bikes are 42cm wide but my shoulders are only 38cms if i get 38cms will they be too narrow

Comments

  • Dmak
    Dmak Posts: 445
    If your current bars feel comfy enough, why change?

    Narrower bars could mean a bit less control and could take a while to get used to.
  • wheelygood
    wheelygood Posts: 101
    Take care when sizing your bars as some manufacturers quote bar width as centre to centre of drops whilst others do it from outer to outer. This can make quite a big difference to the actual width.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    Dmak wrote:
    If your current bars feel comfy enough, why change?
    +1. Also best to have the same on all the bikes.
    My Fleet.
  • fish156
    fish156 Posts: 496
    radiation man wrote:
    im getting some new bars but not sure which size to get the bars on my 2 bikes are 42cm wide but my shoulders are only 38cms if i get 38cms will they be too narrow
    I was in a very similar situation and I'm glad that I went for the "correct" size, narrower bars.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    There is no 'correct' size. It is what ever you are comfortable with. Shoulder width is not a very precise measurement and should only be used as a guide for your first set or if you feel wrong.
    My Fleet.
  • SLX01
    SLX01 Posts: 338
    John.T wrote:
    There is no 'correct' size. It is what ever you are comfortable with. Shoulder width is not a very precise measurement and should only be used as a guide for your first set or if you feel wrong.

    +1

    You don't walk around with your arms the same width as your shoulders and that seems ok so why should being on a bike make a difference.
  • fish156
    fish156 Posts: 496
    SLX01 wrote:
    John.T wrote:
    There is no 'correct' size. It is what ever you are comfortable with. Shoulder width is not a very precise measurement and should only be used as a guide for your first set or if you feel wrong.

    +1

    You don't walk around with your arms the same width as your shoulders and that seems ok so why should being on a bike make a difference.

    Why would you want to make a bigger hole in the air when riding than is necessary?
  • akcc05
    akcc05 Posts: 336
    I am sure I have read somewhere about adding 2cm to your shoulder width for a c-c bar and 4cm for a o-o bar. I went from a 42cm c-c stock handlebars to a 40cm one without feeling any difference at all. It is however suppose to make you that much more aerodynamic though. No difference in handling, climbing and sprinting either.

    FYI, my shoulders measured just under 39cm between the "points" and I chose a 40cm c-c bar.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    fish156 wrote:
    Why would you want to make a bigger hole in the air when riding than is necessary?
    So you would make yourself uncomfortable for a minute saving in drag. You would just as likely loose more in power. What feels right to you is the best option.
    My Fleet.
  • fish156
    fish156 Posts: 496
    John.T wrote:
    fish156 wrote:
    Why would you want to make a bigger hole in the air when riding than is necessary?
    So you would make yourself uncomfortable for a minute saving in drag. You would just as likely loose more in power. What feels right to you is the best option.

    Why are bars the same width as your shoulders necessarily going to be uncomfortable? Mine certainly aren't.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    fish156 wrote:
    John.T wrote:
    fish156 wrote:
    Why would you want to make a bigger hole in the air when riding than is necessary?
    So you would make yourself uncomfortable for a minute saving in drag. You would just as likely loose more in power. What feels right to you is the best option.

    Why are bars the same width as your shoulders necessarily going to be uncomfortable? Mine certainly aren't.
    I have never said they would be. Just that comfort is a better judge of what suits you than any formula. I said it is a good guide if you have no other data or you feel the need to change. As the OP has already got bikes with 42cm bars why get anything different if he is comfortable on these.
    My Fleet.
  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    I just replaced 40cm (c to c) with 44 (c to c). My shoulders are 42 point to point and the 44s feel oh-so-comfy, a real transformation. I ride the tops and hoods most of the time but find the drops are now more comfortable as well.

    I think the aerodynamic argument is an urban myth and nonsense to normal cyclists. How can having your hands 4cm further apart (or not) make any material difference to your drag coefficient? Sorry, I just don't believe it.

    I'd say get whatever width bars feel comfortable for you personally.

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