Flared handlebars

sopworth
sopworth Posts: 191
edited August 2019 in Cyclocross
I've built a CX bike with flared handlebars because they came with the frame.
They are very flared and I'm still not sure about them but I've only spent about 12 hours on the bike. I know the benefit of having them is better handling when on the drops, but do they make that much difference? I'm a novice so can't really comment as I've not ridden CX on normal bars.
Do you ride with flared bars or normal bars? If so, are a compact and short drop bar better for handling?
Thank you.

Comments

  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    The flare is not as important as the relative widths of each position, but generally speaking I would say there are more important things to consider. Not a lot of time is spent on the drops in CX, either way. From a personal perspective, I've only ever ridden on the hoods or tops during a CX race,

    Overall though, if you like them, keep them. There is no particular advantage otherwise..
  • yankeedoodle
    yankeedoodle Posts: 13
    Mine have a very subtle 4 degrees of flare and I definitely prefer the feel over traditional drops. Does it make any measurable difference? Not that I can notice.

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