Handlebar Width, Bar Ends and You!
#1
Recently Addicted
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 521
Bikes: M1 w/105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Handlebar Width, Bar Ends and You!
Curious what others are using for Handlebar widths, cuz I don't think I can put bar ends on without cramping my hands based on where I hold the bar.
I'm on a 65cm bar and measure 44cm across the shoulders. How about you guys? Bar width vs shoulder width measurements...
I'm on a 65cm bar and measure 44cm across the shoulders. How about you guys? Bar width vs shoulder width measurements...
#2
Moar cowbell
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The 509
Posts: 12,481
Bikes: Bike list is not a resume. Nobody cares.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
Bars: 745mm; shoulders 42(?)cm
__________________
RST Suspension | Canfield Bikes | 7iDP Protection | Maxxis | Renthal | Hayes | VonZipper Optics | GoPro
Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."
#3
dont make me get the belt
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southeastern U.S.
Posts: 510
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
685mm bars, never did have a reason to measure my shoulder width (and... still don't).
Last edited by scyclops; 10-25-11 at 08:55 PM.
#4
Low car diet
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Corvallis, OR, USA
Posts: 2,407
Bikes: 2006 Windsor Dover w/105, 2007 GT Avalanche w/XT, 1995 Trek 820 setup for touring, 201? Yeah single-speed folder, 199? Huffy tandem.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
~42cm shoulders (same for road bars). 58cm MTB bars, using grips with built-in bar-ends (Ergon GC2).
I bet you'll be able to get used to the slightly different hand position caused from adding bar-ends.
I bet you'll be able to get used to the slightly different hand position caused from adding bar-ends.
#5
Recently Addicted
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 521
Bikes: M1 w/105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ooo...I like that idea of using integrated grips...cheaper and easier. How do you like the Ergons?
#6
Te mortuo heres tibi sim?
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: East coast
Posts: 3,486
Bikes: hardtail, squishy, fixed roadie, fixed crosser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
745mm on three bikes, no clue on my shoulders, no bar ends.
#7
Senior Member
I've kinda wondered about bar ends and handlebar width myself. I'm curious about some of the smaller bar ends out these days(as oppose to the big pipe things that came on my bike in 1998). Thanks for starting this thread.
I've thought about trying those exact grips. I currently use GP1s and definitely like them. If you've tried Ergon grips without bar ends, how would you compare them with the bar end grips? Ever hit/catch them on trees? I've knocked my bars on a tree or two in tight spots before and I'd hate for that to result in a crash with the bar ends. That's the thing that makes me hesitate with buying Ergon bar end grips.
I've thought about trying those exact grips. I currently use GP1s and definitely like them. If you've tried Ergon grips without bar ends, how would you compare them with the bar end grips? Ever hit/catch them on trees? I've knocked my bars on a tree or two in tight spots before and I'd hate for that to result in a crash with the bar ends. That's the thing that makes me hesitate with buying Ergon bar end grips.
#8
Moar cowbell
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The 509
Posts: 12,481
Bikes: Bike list is not a resume. Nobody cares.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
What are bar ends?
__________________
RST Suspension | Canfield Bikes | 7iDP Protection | Maxxis | Renthal | Hayes | VonZipper Optics | GoPro
Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."
#9
Recently Addicted
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 521
Bikes: M1 w/105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Main issue I have really is that I'm pretty sure my bars are too short. I really like bar ends when I climb as I find my hands are always looking for them, but until I get a wider bar on, even with integrated grips I think I'll run too short.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: OAK CITY
Posts: 66
Bikes: trek 460, Pake c'Mutr
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I run 75cm bars. I have pretty wide shoulders, Never measured them but my shoulders are wider than 99% of people I ride with.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: fruita, co
Posts: 1,701
Bikes: rocky mountain SLAYER!!!! trek, voodoo, surly, spot, bianchi, ibis
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
711mm bars. i don't know my shoulder width, but i'm a small man, or a large child, depending on perspective.
#13
one less horse
#14
Moar cowbell
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The 509
Posts: 12,481
Bikes: Bike list is not a resume. Nobody cares.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
Ohhh . . . OK. Well answer me this, then: I stood at the freeway entrance with my sign all day - - "Will do photoshop gags for WiFi" - - and did not get any takers. How come? I'm thinking it was my choice of sans serif but am not sure.
__________________
RST Suspension | Canfield Bikes | 7iDP Protection | Maxxis | Renthal | Hayes | VonZipper Optics | GoPro
Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."
#15
Recently Addicted
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 521
Bikes: M1 w/105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: OAK CITY
Posts: 66
Bikes: trek 460, Pake c'Mutr
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They may be more comfortable climbing, but if you live in areas with tight, wooded (esat coast) single track, you will get your bar ends snagged on branches and limbs. Having had that happen, I can see why most people don't run bar ends.
#17
Recently Addicted
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 521
Bikes: M1 w/105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I could see that being an issue. Luckily it's not a concern at all here.
#18
Iconoclast
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: California
Posts: 3,176
Bikes: Colnago Super, Fuji Opus III, Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Sirrus (road)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Use Comic Sans and you will get more takers from the 50+ crowd.
#19
Iconoclast
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: California
Posts: 3,176
Bikes: Colnago Super, Fuji Opus III, Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Sirrus (road)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If that's case, enjoy your bar ends.
To answer the original question, I don't know my shoulder size, but it's probably about the same as my road bar width, which is 42cm. I use a 71cm bar and am a firm believer that road ≠ mtn when it comes to setup needs. You'd be better off erring on the long side than the short side of bar length, and you may need a shorter stem as well. BUT, it really depends on the kind of riding you want to do.
To answer the original question, I don't know my shoulder size, but it's probably about the same as my road bar width, which is 42cm. I use a 71cm bar and am a firm believer that road ≠ mtn when it comes to setup needs. You'd be better off erring on the long side than the short side of bar length, and you may need a shorter stem as well. BUT, it really depends on the kind of riding you want to do.
#20
Recently Addicted
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 521
Bikes: M1 w/105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Agree on all counts. I changed my road bars from 41 (stock) to 44 and really was more comfortable. My mtn bars seem to be shorter than average while my shoulders are probably slightly larger than average, and the fact that I'm naturally always creeping to the ends is what made me wonder about this. Regardless of bar ends, I think I'm going to try wider mtn bars.
Some rules of thumb I found while Googling,
Rule of thumb for mountain bike handlebar width: Position the grips so the inside edge of each hand (where the index finger and thumb encircle the grip) lines up just outside the crease of the armpits. While holding the grips in a position where you can comfortably work both the shifters and the brakes, with shoulders and upper arms relaxed, the forearms should aim straight forward.
another rule of thumb from BikeRadar,
The general consensus is that the most efficient compromise between comfort, control, leverage and confidence is 4-6in (10-15cm) wider than your shoulders. Some riders might prefer more width for more leverage, some might prefer less because their wrists or shoulders hurt on wider bars. Try a few and pick your favourite.
If that's case, enjoy your bar ends.
To answer the original question, I don't know my shoulder size, but it's probably about the same as my road bar width, which is 42cm. I use a 71cm bar and am a firm believer that road ≠ mtn when it comes to setup needs. You'd be better off erring on the long side than the short side of bar length, and you may need a shorter stem as well. BUT, it really depends on the kind of riding you want to do.
To answer the original question, I don't know my shoulder size, but it's probably about the same as my road bar width, which is 42cm. I use a 71cm bar and am a firm believer that road ≠ mtn when it comes to setup needs. You'd be better off erring on the long side than the short side of bar length, and you may need a shorter stem as well. BUT, it really depends on the kind of riding you want to do.
Rule of thumb for mountain bike handlebar width: Position the grips so the inside edge of each hand (where the index finger and thumb encircle the grip) lines up just outside the crease of the armpits. While holding the grips in a position where you can comfortably work both the shifters and the brakes, with shoulders and upper arms relaxed, the forearms should aim straight forward.
another rule of thumb from BikeRadar,
The general consensus is that the most efficient compromise between comfort, control, leverage and confidence is 4-6in (10-15cm) wider than your shoulders. Some riders might prefer more width for more leverage, some might prefer less because their wrists or shoulders hurt on wider bars. Try a few and pick your favourite.
Last edited by cleon; 10-27-11 at 11:42 AM.
#21
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 45,256
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13028 Post(s)
Liked 7,955 Times
in
4,230 Posts
Yep, I'm afraid barends have been officially not cool since at least 1999.
I like bars with barends to be 3 cm wider to make room.
63 cm with barends
60 cm without. Once cut to 60 they're useless with barends.
42 cm on my road bikes.
Never measured shoulders I just know what I like the most
I like bars with barends to be 3 cm wider to make room.
63 cm with barends
60 cm without. Once cut to 60 they're useless with barends.
42 cm on my road bikes.
Never measured shoulders I just know what I like the most
#22
Recently Addicted
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 521
Bikes: M1 w/105
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good info. Thanks!
Yep, I'm afraid barends have been officially not cool since at least 1999.
I like bars with barends to be 3 cm wider to make room.
63 cm with barends
60 cm without. Once cut to 60 they're useless with barends.
42 cm on my road bikes.
Never measured shoulders I just know what I like the most
I like bars with barends to be 3 cm wider to make room.
63 cm with barends
60 cm without. Once cut to 60 they're useless with barends.
42 cm on my road bikes.
Never measured shoulders I just know what I like the most
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: OAK CITY
Posts: 66
Bikes: trek 460, Pake c'Mutr
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I find that on my mountain bikes, I like super wide bars. On my Road bikes, I like shoulder width bars to slightly wider. In the end,(I am sure it's already been said) it is what feels good to you. and it is always easier to cut wider bars down than it is to stretch narrow bars out.
#24
use your best eye
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Olympia, Washington
Posts: 3,050
Bikes: '75 Bertin, '93 Parkpre Team 925, '04 Kona King Kikapu, '05 Bianchi Vigorelli
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I cut my bars 3 times and they're still too short.
__________________
"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.
"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.
#25
Moar cowbell
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: The 509
Posts: 12,481
Bikes: Bike list is not a resume. Nobody cares.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 29 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
5 Posts
^^ There was your mistake: it's "measure once, cut twice."
err - - or was that "measure twice, add one, cut half?" . . . or "a bar in the hand is worth two in the gut?" Oh, I give up.
err - - or was that "measure twice, add one, cut half?" . . . or "a bar in the hand is worth two in the gut?" Oh, I give up.
__________________
RST Suspension | Canfield Bikes | 7iDP Protection | Maxxis | Renthal | Hayes | VonZipper Optics | GoPro
Originally Posted by Mark Twain
"Don't argue with stupid people; they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."