Flats Bars or Drops ... Which Do You Prefer
04-12-19, 05:46 PM
#102
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I remember bitd, I like flat bars. Bitd never had any issue with discomfort.
But recent flat bars hurts my wrist even on short rides.
My conclusion is that modern flat bar bikes (like hybrid) make you sit upright and that deactivates your core muscles so upper body weight is all on the wrist...and since on your weighted wrist is twisted...it is uncomfortable.
The older bikes with flat bar had stretch out geometry that make you lean forward alot more...so you don't put much weight onto your wrist and arm...you're holding yur body up with the core muscles.
So, my final conclusion is if I'm doing a flat bar bike for long distance...I'll get sumthing with extra long top tube so I can lean forward alot.
So...essentially what I'm saying is it is the frame geometry that is dominate factor in comfort analysis. Hand position is minor consideration.
But recent flat bars hurts my wrist even on short rides.
My conclusion is that modern flat bar bikes (like hybrid) make you sit upright and that deactivates your core muscles so upper body weight is all on the wrist...and since on your weighted wrist is twisted...it is uncomfortable.
The older bikes with flat bar had stretch out geometry that make you lean forward alot more...so you don't put much weight onto your wrist and arm...you're holding yur body up with the core muscles.
So, my final conclusion is if I'm doing a flat bar bike for long distance...I'll get sumthing with extra long top tube so I can lean forward alot.
So...essentially what I'm saying is it is the frame geometry that is dominate factor in comfort analysis. Hand position is minor consideration.
Thanks, I'm going to keep your remarks in mind, mtb_addict, if I ever get around to buying a new bike. Maybe get a gravel bike and put a flat-bar on it?!
04-13-19, 02:41 AM
#103
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A slight preference for flats - but with good quality grips on them, preferably grips with bar ends so I can give my hands a change every so often.
04-13-19, 05:42 AM
#104
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Just like a lot things regarding bike fit, it comes down to getting the setup right for the particular rider on that particular bike.
It it also depends on what you’re planning on doing with that particular bike. I find that my particular brand of urban riding is much like fast trail work, so more of my bikes have flat bars than otherwise.
I never really could ‘get’ drops, although the ‘road’ bikes have them, because they’re supposed to, until I put a 44cm Cowchipper (24* flare) on the ‘fast’ bike.
Now it’s fast and comfortable 😁
It it also depends on what you’re planning on doing with that particular bike. I find that my particular brand of urban riding is much like fast trail work, so more of my bikes have flat bars than otherwise.
I never really could ‘get’ drops, although the ‘road’ bikes have them, because they’re supposed to, until I put a 44cm Cowchipper (24* flare) on the ‘fast’ bike.
Now it’s fast and comfortable 😁
04-17-19, 05:00 PM
#106
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I just tried my first drop bar commute today - after getting the bars swapped to higher and wider drops. It seemed fine. But who knows how I will feel later. IT definitely seems like there is a lot of variability and comfort based on the shape and size.
I spent time about 50/50 in the flats and hoods. But I was happy to use the hoods as the prior bars were too far to do it!
I had flat bars on an upright city bike and it was OK, but I much preferred the swept bag ones for ease and comfort. And did that on the next bike. And that is also the plan on the new commuter getting built up now. Though a slightly different version of sweptback bars than the last.
Hopefully this summer I can try out longer rides and suss out my preferences then.
I spent time about 50/50 in the flats and hoods. But I was happy to use the hoods as the prior bars were too far to do it!
I had flat bars on an upright city bike and it was OK, but I much preferred the swept bag ones for ease and comfort. And did that on the next bike. And that is also the plan on the new commuter getting built up now. Though a slightly different version of sweptback bars than the last.
Hopefully this summer I can try out longer rides and suss out my preferences then.
06-03-19, 02:51 AM
#107
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That problem is easily solved by installing bar ends inboard of grips. There are bar ends that have been designed specifically for this purpose, like the ones pictured (SQLab Innerbarends), but in fact most bar ends can be installed this way. The distance between them then is about equal the width of a regular drop bar, and the position is very close to riding on the hoods. If the bar ends are longer, they can offer up to 4 different hand positions, all with different forward lean.
Flat bars with bar ends all the way for me. I've just recently started shopping for and looking at bikes seriously again, and I realize that few people seem to use bar ends anymore. Or narrower bars, either.
06-03-19, 03:56 AM
#108
Cycleway town
Risers!
06-03-19, 05:57 AM
#109
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I really like flared randonneur and dirt drop bars. Lots of positions, lots of clearance for getting in my handlebar bag, wrists don't touch the upper bend of the bar, etc. Lots of perks for me. I also like that they come in wider sizes as I have the shoulders of a linebacker despite being 5'7".
06-03-19, 08:54 AM
#110
Senior Member
Drops for sure. Flared drops like a Cowbell even better. Incredibly natural hand position and the drops give me the most confident position for handling when cornering.
Flat bars are pretty uncomfortable and will have my hands going numb a few miles down the road, even when riding singletrack. I have found that with enough sweep and roll back on the bars, I can live with flat-ish bars. Basically once the bar looks like a more flared out version of the drops on Woodchippers then I'm good.
Flat bars are pretty uncomfortable and will have my hands going numb a few miles down the road, even when riding singletrack. I have found that with enough sweep and roll back on the bars, I can live with flat-ish bars. Basically once the bar looks like a more flared out version of the drops on Woodchippers then I'm good.
06-03-19, 09:01 AM
#111
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If you haven't developed a firm conviction that drop bars are best for you, then they probably are not.
For the record, I prefer drop bars on any bike that I ride on a road. But they are what I grew up with, and I find them comfortable for my style of riding. Biggest advantage? Aerodynamics. Second biggest advantage? Ergonomics of the hand/wrist/forearm position relative to my torso as I ride.
06-03-19, 05:09 PM
#112
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I don’t have any flat bar bikes, so the answer must be drops.
Tim
Tim
06-03-19, 07:49 PM
#113
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My Comparison
I have a hybrid with flat bars and end bars and it is simple and fun for a quick ride with the family however my road/endurance bike has drops. I am still getting use to them but they are more fun, responsive and comfortable on long 20+ mile rides.
06-03-19, 07:55 PM
#114
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Hyb drops gives me everything i wanted outta a bicycle for comfort. Thinking about a 2x11 conversion setup.
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06-03-19, 08:11 PM
#115
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06-04-19, 02:33 PM
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The crazy bar from Velo Orange. My bicycle came with drop bars and I tried the Jones bar, A Nitto treking bar and other drop bars. This is a direct replacement for a drop bar.
06-04-19, 08:52 PM
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I've found for me bike fit is more important for comfort than which type of handlebars I'm using.
I've done long rides on both where I've had numbness or no numbness depending on how well the bike fit me.
I've done long rides on both where I've had numbness or no numbness depending on how well the bike fit me.
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