MTB handle bar width advice needed

[michael]

i am wanting to buy new bars as i am convinced mine are to narrow. On corners it feels like my front wheel wants to give way. i have changed tyres,shock pressure etc and i know thats sorted as the problem is alot better but not sorted fully.

 

I ride a 26inch Titus full suspension and would consider myself a "biggish" oke - 88kg

that said my current width of bar is 550mm. i have beeing given lengths of 600/700/730/ even 780!

 

what is the "rule of thumb' here? My cuurent set up is def to narrow for me but what is then the correct width?

 

would appreciate all feedback please.

 

 

thanks

[Sidewinder.]

i am wanting to buy new bars as i am convinced mine are to narrow. On corners it feels like my front wheel wants to give way. i have changed tyres,shock pressure etc and i know thats sorted as the problem is alot better but not sorted fully.

 

I ride a 26inch Titus full suspension and would consider myself a "biggish" oke - 88kg

that said my current width of bar is 550mm. i have beeing given lengths of 600/700/730/ even 780!

 

what is the "rule of thumb' here? My cuurent set up is def to narrow for me but what is then the correct width?

 

would appreciate all feedback please.

 

 

thanks

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlzvjcUM4XE

 

For me 750 was perfect right out of the gates, if you have long arms I woould say go for for a 780 and you could always cut them down to where they feel right after a few rides.

[Skott5]

550 !! That will be sketchy as all hell on any singletrack.

 

Wider = more control.

Look at 700mm and upwards

[michael]

550 !! That will be sketchy as all hell on any singletrack.

 

Wider = more control.

Look at 700mm and upwards

thanks for the info. narrow as hell.

[Mike Bike]

i have 600 width on my 29er..like it a lot. too long and those pesky trees catch you

[mr HED]

for pure racing you want a narrower bar. if you are on a full sus and a weekend warrior my bet is on a wider handlebar for more control and leverage on climbs.

[D Vader]

A lot of pro riders ride wider than 700mm, so NO , pure racing also uses wider bars, these days.

The trend has shifted to wider bars, esp with bigger wheels.

Wider bars= open chest and more leverage esp on the climbs, where the wider angle gives you the ability to pull on the bars more strongly, ask the SS folk. I find the open chest sensation with wider bars the most positive aspect.

Look where you are going to avoid trees and pole/gates.

If you weigh 88kg, how broad are your shoulders?

Narrow bars are for guys riding fixies in traffic

It is somewhat subjective, but try a few friends bikes( you need to use it for a while) and I'm sure you will find your fit.

[dillon]

I am running 680mm, perfect setup for me

[NicoBoshoff]

Whilst we're in the region of the handlebar, what is a good length for the stem?

 

My stumpy came out with this > Specialized XC Trail, 6061 alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise, 31.8mm

 

Not sure about the length, but it does feel quite long.

 

The handlebar is 720mm wide, 10mm rise, 10-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm

[NicoBoshoff]

Whilst we're in the region of the handlebar, what is a good length for the stem?

 

My stumpy came out with this > Specialized XC Trail, 6061 alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise, 31.8mm

 

Not sure about the length, but it does feel quite long.

 

The handlebar is 720mm wide, 10mm rise, 10-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 31.8mm

 

It's 90mm I see.

[NicoBoshoff]

I found this thanks.

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/116208-stem-length-for-trail-all-mountain/

[Wil6]

My wifes bike has a 560mm bar and my Dale a 680mm. The other day I took her bike out for a spin. Cant believe the difference in handling and climbing 120mm makes. My SS currently has a 810mm but going to cut it down to 780mm cause its too wide. I would say start with 760mm with a 50-70mm stem and cut it down until you have the correct length.

[michael]

A lot of pro riders ride wider than 700mm, so NO , pure racing also uses wider bars, these days.

The trend has shifted to wider bars, esp with bigger wheels.

Wider bars= open chest and more leverage esp on the climbs, where the wider angle gives you the ability to pull on the bars more strongly, ask the SS folk. I find the open chest sensation with wider bars the most positive aspect.

Look where you are going to avoid trees and pole/gates.

If you weigh 88kg, how broad are your shoulders?

Narrow bars are for guys riding fixies in traffic

It is somewhat subjective, but try a few friends bikes( you need to use it for a while) and I'm sure you will find your fit.

D Vader - thanks for the info.

[michael]

A lot of pro riders ride wider than 700mm, so NO , pure racing also uses wider bars, these days.

The trend has shifted to wider bars, esp with bigger wheels.

Wider bars= open chest and more leverage esp on the climbs, where the wider angle gives you the ability to pull on the bars more strongly, ask the SS folk. I find the open chest sensation with wider bars the most positive aspect.

Look where you are going to avoid trees and pole/gates.

If you weigh 88kg, how broad are your shoulders?

Narrow bars are for guys riding fixies in traffic

It is somewhat subjective, but try a few friends bikes( you need to use it for a while) and I'm sure you will find your fit.

My shoulders are 58cm - outside to outside