Ka Verong
Free Rider
We only but have one world, preserve it... conserve it.. save it...
Posts: 383
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Post by Ka Verong on Mar 4, 2008 12:42:39 GMT 8
On choosing handlebars what should be my considerations? I think TT bars are out, considering the Philippine road condition. width. how would it affect handling? bar clamp size. would it limit stem choices? what about accessories like cyclocomp & HR monitor? would it allow me to install and aerobar should the need arise? what about non-cylindrical bars like controltech?
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Post by flipnidaho on Mar 4, 2008 19:51:57 GMT 8
I personally go with the traditional bars with round flats. I ride a 42cm or 44cm width (center to center) since I'm used to wide bars from mountain biking. I also prefer a short reach (less than 90mm) and a short drop (135mm or less). I'm currently using a Salsa Poco since it meets all the criteria. Go 31.8mm if you can since you'll have more choices in bar (and you can always shim down to 26.0). I don't use aero bars, GPS, HRS or computers so I can't comment on that
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Post by wcoastbo on Mar 6, 2008 7:03:32 GMT 8
I too like the wider bars and ride 44 cm. I don't like anything on the flats of my bars, too much clutter and reduces hand positions. I use a FSA control center to mount my light when riding the roads at night. If your hands get numb on long rides, like mine do, get the "winged" bars. Round bars pinch a nerve in my palms and the flat tops spreads out the pressure. I've had an aluminum FSA wing-pro for several years and have no complaints. It's fairly traditional looking, but has a flat top. Also, seems to have more room for accessories compared to the ControlTech, but I could be wrong (hard to tell from photos).
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Post by king on Mar 6, 2008 9:02:38 GMT 8
measure your shoulders from bone tip to bone tip. if your bar is too wide your arms will be spread out, putting more weight/strain on your muscles instead of on your bones. too narrow and you'll constrict your breathing and it might affect your handling.
most of the newer clamp-on aero bars are sized for oversized handlebars. a lot of cyclometers (i use Serfas) also have mounts that can go on the stem instead of the bars. you'll have a hard time fining aero bars for "winged" handlebars though.
on tt bars, unless you're only building a triathlon or time trial-specific bike, why would you get them?
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Post by Taba® on Mar 6, 2008 12:34:35 GMT 8
I use a 44 center to center. It is not too wide and not too narrow. Use a cycle computer which you can mount on the stem. You will then have enough space for your hands to play on the bar when you feel tired.
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Ka Verong
Free Rider
We only but have one world, preserve it... conserve it.. save it...
Posts: 383
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Post by Ka Verong on Mar 10, 2008 16:39:34 GMT 8
guys thanks so much, very informative. @king. I don't see myself building a triathlon specific bike, at least not in the near future. For now, at least d HBar width is already solved. Thanks to you guys. next step, is the length & angle of the stem.
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Post by king on Mar 10, 2008 16:53:22 GMT 8
stems for road bikes (and for xc bikes) should generally be at around 100mm, plus or minus 10mm depending on your reach or flexibility. angle isn't as important as you can always adjust bar height using spacers above or below the stem. a lot of roadies have theirs at a negative angle in relation to the steerer tube (so it looks flat when you look at it from the side).
best thing would be to get yourself bike fitted. you'll get all the required measurements for your bike. price is minimal, P1000, compared to the trial and error of experimenting and buying potentially the wrong bar, stem, seatpost or worse, frame! contact toots chua of life cycle (the giant showroom in greenhills) at 09189222124.
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