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Handlebar question regarding length

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Old 05-02-23, 05:03 PM
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aaronM46
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Handlebar question regarding length

Are the markings I see on higher quality bars near the ends there as 'cut' marks if you choose to shorten them?

Thanks,
Aaron
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Old 05-02-23, 07:52 PM
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I suspect they are guide line markings. I would not trust a cut's location based on a applied marking and prefer to measure. Just last week a fellow wrench was installing a new bar on a bike that had been in for a fitting. The bar's central stem clamping markings were off center by about 8-10mm. Andy
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Old 05-02-23, 08:04 PM
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aaronM46
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I have ordered 800mm bars which I am guessing will be wider than I need. I will carefully cut them to the width I need.

NOW. I am finding that you need to do the same with a fork steering tube.

I have no issues with doing this. I have the tools and knowledge and I quite like it.
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Old 05-02-23, 09:54 PM
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Yes those lines are cutting guides and you do not want to go below them as the bars are reinforced in certain places for all the controls so going too far in could cause issues. Steerer tubes may or may not need to be cut depending on the fit you are looking to achieve.

HoweAndrew R Stewart said it is always good to measure. As they say measure twice cut once.
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Old 05-03-23, 07:02 AM
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According to a article i read on bike radar the markings are for alignment for when you are making adjustments to your handle bars
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Old 05-03-23, 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by djsincity2000
According to a article i read on bike radar the markings are for alignment for when you are making adjustments to your handle bars
If there are symmetrical markings near the bar's center, they are for centering it in the stem and for setting rotation. If the markings are near the bar's ends, they are for trimming to length. In either case measure to be sure the markings are properly positioned.
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Old 05-03-23, 09:01 AM
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I expect that different bars and bars from different manufacturers might have marks on them for different reasons.
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Old 05-03-23, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Iride01
I expect that different bars and bars from different manufacturers might have marks on them for different reasons.
Not really. Post #6 is pretty much the top and bottom of it all.
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Old 05-03-23, 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by veganbikes
Yes those lines are cutting guides and you do not want to go below them as the bars are reinforced in certain places for all the controls so going too far in could cause issues. Steerer tubes may or may not need to be cut depending on the fit you are looking to achieve.

HoweAndrew R Stewart said it is always good to measure. As they say measure twice cut once.
Measure 5 times on something that expensive. I will go slow and gradually decide where I need to be.
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Old 05-03-23, 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by aaronM46
Measure 5 times on something that expensive. I will go slow and gradually decide where I need to be.
If you are buying that expensive of a handlebar you are probably buying the wrong bar. Buying a very expensive handlebar is for someone who knows the position they need and has everything dialed. If you aren't dialed get something decent enough but not expensive and in the case of my old 90s mountain bike build the cheaper handlebars were actually A LOT lighter than the Sakae PowerBulge bars I had put on it but the bike was ti and so why shouldn't the handlebars?
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Old 05-04-23, 08:01 AM
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Originally Posted by aaronM46
I have ordered 800mm bars which I am guessing will be wider than I need. I will carefully cut them to the width I need.
A bar that wide, you are expected to cut it and have it dialed for your preferences.

If it isn't going to be used for downhill enduro, cut it as you see fit. The markers are just to help you cut equally.

Note: Keep about an inch more than what you think you prefer. After a few rides, then you can go ahead and cut off the extra. Because you can't do for the opposite.
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