Kevlouw Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I'm relatively new to the whole cycling and mountain biking scene. And I was lucky enough to get a decent bike through the BikeHub classifieds section. But one thing that's been on my mind is, how big difference the size of the handlebar make to your riding style/comfort? I measured mine yesterday ( 650mm ) and it doesn't feel quite right to me. Is there specific sizes based on the riders' physical size/built? Please advise.
partydave Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 A wider bar + shorter stem will give you more control on technical sections where a short bar and longer stem will make the bike more responsive but twitchy
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I'm relatively new to the whole cycling and mountain biking scene. And I was lucky enough to get a decent bike through the BikeHub classifieds section. But one thing that's been on my mind is, how big difference the size of the handlebar make to your riding style/comfort? I measured mine yesterday ( 650mm ) and it doesn't feel quite right to me. Is there specific sizes based on the riders' physical size/built? Please advise.In short - narrow bar and long stem means weight over front of bike, very "front heavy" in technical areas and descents. Wide bar & short stem means you can get further back, more confidence on the technical bits, more direct steering, easier to handle IF the bike is the right size for you. 650mm is incredibly narrow in terms of modern bicycle geometry, and I would never advocate a bar that narrow, unless you were a pygmy. A good place to look is Rapide Components - they make a 780mm bar for R 200 or so, which you can cut down to size once you find your ideal width. I would, however, pair it with a shorter stem than the one you (probably) have. 50-70mm is around the sweet spot when it comes to that sort of thing. But yes - 650mm is narrow as faaark, and you'll get far more control and confidence with upsizing width and reducing stem length
Thermophage Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I'm relatively new to the whole cycling and mountain biking scene. And I was lucky enough to get a decent bike through the BikeHub classifieds section. But one thing that's been on my mind is, how big difference the size of the handlebar make to your riding style/comfort? I measured mine yesterday ( 650mm ) and it doesn't feel quite right to me. Is there specific sizes based on the riders' physical size/built? Please advise.A moerse big difference.Just get one that's really wide (like 765mm or more). They're all similar price. Then ride with it and if you don't like it cut it shorter by 5mm either side. Then repeat.Remember you can always cut a wider one, but never grow a smaller one.You'll probably need a shorter stem to keep your reach similar though.Rapide I hear has great deals.
Bonus Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 Wider bars, easier breathing (for me anyway). Just have to watch out for him gaps some other people can squeeze through that I maybe can't :-)
Steven Knoetze (sk27) Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 It helps with the stomach in, chest out look....... Myles answered it to a T.Your skill level and trail should come into account if you area newbie. 780mm is wide and fitting it between trees can be quite daunting. That being said, start wide and work inwards. You can cut down but you can't add width once you have cut.Move the grips inwards and test ride it at various widths before cutting.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 It helps with the stomach in, chest out look....... Myles answered it to a T.Your skill level and trail should come into account if you area newbie. 780mm is wide and fitting it between trees can be quite daunting. That being said, start wide and work inwards. You can cut down but you can't add width once you have cut.Move the grips inwards and test ride it at various widths before cutting.This. Do this BEFORE you cut. Then when you think you have the right width, put the grips back out to the extreme and test, then switch between the 2 positions to confirm your findings. If your inner position IS more comfortable, then cut. Don't cut before confirming though - you may just find that it's confirmation bias creeping through.
NotSoBigBen Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 After being a short bar/long stem rider for many years a wider bar and stem have made a major difference to me. I have settled on 720/80 .... I have however heard that just cable tie-ing a broom handle direct to the top of the steerer is the best way these days
KingTJ Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 It hink the guys have have you pretty much said what needs to be said. Welcome to the hub and good luck and enjoy. Ps. You will know when the bars are just right for you.
Thermophage Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 After being a short bar/long stem rider for many years a wider bar and stem have made a major difference to me. I have settled on 720/80 .... I have however heard that just cable tie-ing a broom handle direct to the top of the steerer is the best way these days 80mm IS a long stem
Wez-O Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 Some solid advice in the above posts, HOWEVER, I also find there is an element of personal preference involved.
AlanD Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I first went from a 90mm to a 60mm stem and was a hig difference, lots more control. Then went fromm the 660mm bar to the 780mm bar that Myles recommend and it got even more control amd confidence in the tech bits. Bar felt really wide and awkward so bought some cheap lock on grips and started to test some lengths. Thought i had in nailed in 778mm (anything less felt way to short) so before i cut i moved them back to full 780mm lenght for once last check and thought "this also feels good", so i have left them full length since. Good advice to get the 780mm bar from rapide and experiment with lenghts till you find what works for you.
Steven Knoetze (sk27) Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I first went from a 90mm to a 60mm stem and was a hig difference, lots more control. Then went fromm the 660mm bar to the 780mm bar that Myles recommend and it got even more control amd confidence in the tech bits. Bar felt really wide and awkward so bought some cheap lock on grips and started to test some lengths. Thought i had in nailed in 778mm (anything less felt way to short) so before i cut i moved them back to full 780mm lenght for once last check and thought "this also feels good", so i have left them full length since. Good advice to get the 780mm bar from rapide and experiment with lenghts till you find what works for you. I recall from another thread that you ride a Trance 27.5Care to share your length and bike size? Would like to compare all of that with your bar/stem combo compared to what I ride.You can PM me if its easier or more convenient.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I recall from another thread that you ride a Trance 27.5Care to share your length and bike size? Would like to compare all of that with your bar/stem combo compared to what I ride.You can PM me if its easier or more convenient.FWIW Giant Reign (2015) size LargeETT 640mmReach 458mmStem 50mm (want a 35mm, but budget)Bars 800mmHeight 1.80mInseam 85cm
AlanD Posted January 11, 2016 Posted January 11, 2016 I recall from another thread that you ride a Trance 27.5Care to share your length and bike size? Would like to compare all of that with your bar/stem combo compared to what I ride.You can PM me if its easier or more convenient.I ride a Merida AM 26er. I just saw your pics in the Trance/Giant thread and commented as one day i want to jump like that when fathet time grants that to me Stem: 60mm 6 degree upwardsBar: 780mmBike Size: Medium
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