Road Handle Bar width

[Bums]

Can anyone tell me how you determine the correct road bar width?

 

Thanks

[nuge]

rule of thumb is to measure your shoulder width and use that to determine centre to centre width of your bar - the intention being that you probably want your arms pretty much parallel when you're riding with your hands on the hoods.

 

from there it's a question of comfort and utility - sprinters may want a wider bar for more leverage during their final dash, others may want a narrower bar to be a little more aero.

 

just remember a slightly wider bar may give you more control when cornering - especially useful on difficult descents. i went to a slightly wider bar and found this to be true.

 

hope that helps.

[Bums]

Thanks for the advice

Edited March 9, 2011 by Bums

[Bos]

Im riding a 44cm though Im no bigger than ave. I feel it a little on 4hrs, but that doesnt happent often. apart from that It comes in handy when i wrestle my bike up kloofnek or bunnyhop pavements etc