Compact handlebars

[Edition 507]

Has anyone got an opinion/experience with compact bars i.e. better hand position, more comfortable, quicker hand movement (whatever that is supposed to mean, but thats what they say)?

Let me know before I go and fork out bucks on a new handlebar

[andretraut]

One of my best cycling related investments was a compact handle bar. Far better riding position in the drops, without any discomfort staying there for long periods. Also easier to change hand position from the drop to the top bar. Get one!

[SwissVan]

Excuse the ignorance, but what is a "compact handlebar"?

Picture please

 

Is that another term for narrow handlebars?

[Tumbleweed]

Excuse the ignorance, but what is a "compact handlebar"?

Picture please

 

Is that another term for narrow handlebars?

 

Shallower drop and less reach, I think.

[SwissVan]

Shallower drop and less reach, I think.

 

Oh like girls WSD handlebars?

[Tumbleweed]

Oh like girls WSD handlebars?

 

And for guys with girlie small hands.

[Willehond]

And for guys with girlie small hands.

 

I beg to differ. They are quite popular and a bit of a rage at the moment with roadies and a move away from those horrid anatomic bars. Gives you less drop, so your bar can go lower, but gives a nice compact feel for racing/steering.

[SwissVan]

 

I beg to differ.

 

 

Stop being different, if youve got small hands then youve got small hands no big deal

[Tumbleweed]

I beg to differ. They are quite popular and a bit of a rage at the moment with roadies and a move away from those horrid anatomic bars. Gives you less drop, so your bar can go lower, but gives a nice compact feel for racing/steering.

 

I did mention the drop earlier.

[Willehond]

I did mention the drop earlier.

 

my begging to differness related to the small hands comment! It aint a girly thing, it's a fashion thing (yes, it can be mutually exclusive terms)

[Tumbleweed]

my begging to differness related to the small hands comment! It aint a girly thing, it's a fashion thing (yes, it can be mutually exclusive terms)

 

I am well aware of your metrosexual leanings.

[Guest agteros]

I did mention the drop earlier.

 

drop handles for us "ou toppies" with stiff backs?

[Edition 507]

And if you got normal hands? Is it then uncomfortable?

Edited December 17, 2010 by CarbonBoy

[Willehond]

Says he with pink boa...

 

Anyway, being metrosexual is out of reach for me as I'm too lazy. Shaving, aftershave, a bit of gel in the hair, deodorant and a compact handlebar is as close as it gets.

 

I have my eye on this Ritchey number. Shall I go for black or white? Difficult questions for a metrosexual cyclist.

[Willehond]

And if you got normal hands? Is it then uncomfortable?

 

Nothing to do with hand size! It shortens you reach and drop, so it means you could go for a smaller frame size (as your drop is compensated for by higher handlebar position), but you might have to get a longer stem if you want to maintain your reach. It all depends on what you currently ride and what compact handlebars you go for! Some models from Ritchey for instance differ in drop according to the width you select and others not! Be careful and do the math yourself before buying.

[Edition 507]

Seeing as I am not as supple as I used to be (or so says my wife ) I think I'm gonna try one of these bars, even at the risk of being labelled a girlie metro sexual

 

I'm building up a new bike so it is a good opportunity to try them out.

 

Thanks for your input!