How common is it to have road bars fitted?

AlanW
AlanW Posts: 291
edited January 2012 in Track
This is part of a fitment saga really, but I really need to replace my OE Fuji stem for a 11cm one. But in doing so I need to mount it facing upwards, and yes I know that it looks crap but my poor old back just isn't as supple as it used to be. :oops:

So this really rules out a track specific stem. HERE

So what about a road stem instead? So then I thought that while I was replacing the stem, I'll stick some new bars on as well, but I would look for some shallower drop track bars, but a search has revealed that this is not an option either. :cry:

All my road bikes have Ritchey Classic bars, either the alloy or the carbon versions, and they have a really low drop which suit me perfectly to be honest.

So in a round about way my question is, do many people use road bars and road stems on the track?

If so, and rather than me rushing out and buying items that have not really been tried and tested on the track, any recommendations please?

Possible bars - HERE

Possible stem - HERE
"You only need two tools: WD40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape"

Comments

  • Pokerface
    Pokerface Posts: 7,960
    Unless you are a sprinter with massive power, then it's very common to see 'road' bars and stems on the track. In fact, in the public training sessions I do, proper 'track' bars are in the vast minority. Ride whatever is comfortable for you!
  • AlanW
    AlanW Posts: 291
    Pokerface wrote:
    Unless you are a sprinter with massive power, then it's very common to see 'road' bars and stems on the track. In fact, in the public training sessions I do, proper 'track' bars are in the vast minority. Ride whatever is comfortable for you!

    Thanks, I was pretty sure it was a common thing, but I just needed to satisfy my own piece of mind really.
    "You only need two tools: WD40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape"
  • PhilPub
    PhilPub Posts: 229
    I've not used them for racing yet but I've got the same Planet X 7075 Anatomic road bars on mine as on my road bike. I prefer them to traditional track bars for spending any amount of time in the drops, so good for endurance events. Not sure how they stack up against your other options w.r.t. quality but they seem stiff enough to me. There's also a compact version.

    http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HBPX7075SD/planet_x_anatomic_road_bar_strada_7075_

    http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HBPX7075CL/planet_x_road_bar_strada_compact_lite_7075_
  • AlanW
    AlanW Posts: 291
    PhilPub wrote:
    I've not used them for racing yet but I've got the same Planet X 7075 Anatomic road bars on mine as on my road bike. I prefer them to traditional track bars for spending any amount of time in the drops, so good for endurance events. Not sure how they stack up against your other options w.r.t. quality but they seem stiff enough to me. There's also a compact version.

    http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HBPX7075SD/planet_x_anatomic_road_bar_strada_7075_

    http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HBPX7075CL/planet_x_road_bar_strada_compact_lite_7075_

    I had actually looked at those, but I have to admit that I am a fan (sucker) of the WCS Ritchey stuff. :oops:
    "You only need two tools: WD40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape"