Anything particularly unsafe about flat bars???
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minas Ithil
Posts: 9,337
Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2432 Post(s)
Liked 638 Times
in
395 Posts
A couple of years ago I did a 100K charity ride and us guys in the lead pack kept a really stong pace. One of the riders was a guy even older than me (I'm 53) and he was on a Giant Fastroad carbon flat bar bike with a ton of money in parts. Can't remember what group but it was high end SRAM. He even had carbon tubular wheels. He was one of the strongest riders and he certainly wasn't in any danger haha. He had shorty bar ends and kept a nice aero position. Ever since then I've thought of getting a bike like that, it was cool as hell.
Likes For Lazyass:
#27
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
I asked a bike shop here in Waterloo Region Canada about a straight bar bike on a group ride and they said it was a no go. They also said it was because a lot of riders of straight bar bikes didn't have the skills needed to ride in a group. Perhaps this lady was of the same opinion?
Cheers
Cheers
#28
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
My drop bars have a little bit of a flare and they measure 44 cm wide at the hoods and 48 cm at the drops...my flat bars measure 53 cm...That's not much difference.
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,175
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4274 Post(s)
Liked 4,712 Times
in
2,911 Posts
My flat bars are 76 cm (mtb)
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,175
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4274 Post(s)
Liked 4,712 Times
in
2,911 Posts
Yeah I've heard that lots so I'm not going to argue, seems most people have this opinion. I do have horns for some extra hand possitions. I've done multiple 100km+ rides and never felt that was an issue. On the flip side the GF and I recently did an "intro to the velodrome" ride for fun. I'm not totally inactive, my job is physical often, I cycle obviously, do weights, cross train/personal trainer with the GF the odd time, occasionally play tennis etc... Riding at the velodrome was the first time I'd riden drops in a very long time and I couldn't get over how exhausted my upper body was riding on them, and we were only doing a few minutes here and there. I guess everybody has their thing.
I know flat bars can get really wide (and for good reason as cyccommute mentions) but mine are 600mm. That's more or less how wide my shoulders are, so unless these grannies bump shoulders and jockey for position thats a hard argument lol.
I know flat bars can get really wide (and for good reason as cyccommute mentions) but mine are 600mm. That's more or less how wide my shoulders are, so unless these grannies bump shoulders and jockey for position thats a hard argument lol.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,083
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 811 Post(s)
Liked 1,946 Times
in
936 Posts
Once I looked into joining a local non-racing club ride and it was road bikes only.
I think the reason is presumed hybrids and MTB's would not be able to keep up with proper road bikes and slow the no-drop rides.
I think the reason is presumed hybrids and MTB's would not be able to keep up with proper road bikes and slow the no-drop rides.
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,528
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5219 Post(s)
Liked 3,564 Times
in
2,331 Posts
Likes For rumrunn6:
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,528
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5219 Post(s)
Liked 3,564 Times
in
2,331 Posts
nah it's their ego. was riding a long rail trail one time, on a hybrid, the kind w/ front shocks. passed a "kitted" wanna-be roadie & that ticked him off. he sped up & as he passed me he said: "I'm not getting passed by a hybrid, that's a hybrid right?" it was a rhetorical question so I pretty much ignored him, kept my pace & passed him again
Likes For rumrunn6:
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,528
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5219 Post(s)
Liked 3,564 Times
in
2,331 Posts
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,655
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Cheers
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,083
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 811 Post(s)
Liked 1,946 Times
in
936 Posts
nah it's their ego. was riding a long rail trail one time, on a hybrid, the kind w/ front shocks. passed a "kitted" wanna-be roadie & that ticked him off. he sped up & as he passed me he said: "I'm not getting passed by a hybrid, that's a hybrid right?" it was a rhetorical question so I pretty much ignored him, kept my pace & passed him again
He got bent out of shape and sprinted past me then realized he left her in the dust and had to slow and wait for her.
I am about 3 mph slower on the same route on my fully rigid 35 lbs 29er than my 17 lbs endurance road bike.
On a "D" ride, that averages 14-15 mph, on a fairly flat route, I would be able to keep up with road bike cyclists for about 30 miles before fading.
Likes For CAT7RDR:
#37
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
I don't think it had anything to do with fitness level and not being able to keep up with the group...It's more about " looks". These elitist club riders have their own definition of what a "real cyclist should look like " and they won't allow any person to join them on a ride unless that person fits their definition of a " real cyclist".
Likes For wolfchild:
#38
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
The thing is that drop bars are not any faster than flat bars. Majority of people who use drop bars have their hands on the hoods which is very similar to having your hands on the flat bars. There is no aero differences between the two. You only gain some aero advantage when riding in the drops, and that is very rare because majority of these " fake pros " don't even have enough mobility to ride in the drops.
Likes For wolfchild:
#39
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times
in
1,422 Posts
I think this person likely heard that flat pedals were less safe and got that confused flat bars.
The former is mostly nonsense (it depends on the pedals and shoes) the latter is pure, 100% nonsense.
The former is mostly nonsense (it depends on the pedals and shoes) the latter is pure, 100% nonsense.
Likes For Kapusta:
#40
Old enough, hmmm?
You know what? I think you're right with this one and OMG I'm triggered!!! lol
..................................
But they think us flat bar people don't know what we're doing!!!
Before I get flamed, I'm having a bit of fun with this. I'm not saying all of you drop bar people are like BMW drivers, just this particular group lol!
..................................
But they think us flat bar people don't know what we're doing!!!
Before I get flamed, I'm having a bit of fun with this. I'm not saying all of you drop bar people are like BMW drivers, just this particular group lol!
Generally speaking it's the old "There's a big difference between talking a good job and doing a good job".
PS, the XC skiing season has been delayed by a week, too much hot air drifting North from the South.
#41
Old enough, hmmm?
https://www.amazon.ca/Zefal-Cristophe-Mountain-Bicycle-Clips/dp/B002NGS9ZW/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=half+toe+clips&qid=1636208033&s=sports&sr=1-3
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 5,869
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1792 Post(s)
Liked 1,671 Times
in
955 Posts
I have been a member of a large 400 member cycling club for about 25 years. We have no rules about new members using flat bars when they join us. However, every single person who has joined and remained with us has eventually switched to a drop bar bike. We do however prohibit aero bars on group rides for the same reason they are not permitted for mass start road races.
Likes For alcjphil:
#43
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,613
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Liked 1,526 Times
in
997 Posts
I'd guess the original taboo about flat bars comes from basically the width issue in groups; greater likelihood for contact with another rider if the bar width exceeds by much your own body's width. Even slower category groups sometimes do a rotating paceline. Dropping off the front to the left, I imagine one would want consistency in how far to the right the riders will be as you drop back, and not have worry about slaloming further out based on large variances in bar widths. I do agree it should be a non-issue as described for a D-group level situation though.
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,175
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4274 Post(s)
Liked 4,712 Times
in
2,911 Posts
You have some pretty wide shoulders. Might be interesting to have some custom 60cm drop bars made :-)
I'd guess the original taboo about flat bars comes from basically the width issue in groups; greater likelihood for contact with another rider if the bar width exceeds by much your own body's width. Even slower category groups sometimes do a rotating paceline. Dropping off the front to the left, I imagine one would want consistency in how far to the right the riders will be as you drop back, and not have worry about slaloming further out based on large variances in bar widths. I do agree it should be a non-issue as described for a D-group level situation though.
I'd guess the original taboo about flat bars comes from basically the width issue in groups; greater likelihood for contact with another rider if the bar width exceeds by much your own body's width. Even slower category groups sometimes do a rotating paceline. Dropping off the front to the left, I imagine one would want consistency in how far to the right the riders will be as you drop back, and not have worry about slaloming further out based on large variances in bar widths. I do agree it should be a non-issue as described for a D-group level situation though.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,175
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4274 Post(s)
Liked 4,712 Times
in
2,911 Posts
The thing is that drop bars are not any faster than flat bars. Majority of people who use drop bars have their hands on the hoods which is very similar to having your hands on the flat bars. There is no aero differences between the two. You only gain some aero advantage when riding in the drops, and that is very rare because majority of these " fake pros " don't even have enough mobility to ride in the drops.
#46
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,625
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,560 Times
in
1,574 Posts
When you're in the bottom rungs of an organization, the only people you can pull rank on are the recruits.
Likes For ThermionicScott:
#47
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times
in
1,422 Posts
The reason some cycling clubs don’t want you to show up with flat bars or flat pedals is not because they’re afraid you’re going to be slow.
They are afraid you’re going to keep up.
They are afraid you’re going to keep up.
Likes For Kapusta:
#48
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 8,175
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4274 Post(s)
Liked 4,712 Times
in
2,911 Posts
Starting with the hoods on a drop bar, they are actually the most aero position if you bend your forearms parallel to the ground. This position is more aero than actually riding in the drops.
Riding more upright on the hoods is still more aero than a flat bar, which will tend to push your elbows further out because of your flat grip.
This video shows the different positions quite well (although it's not very scientific) and a cheat using flat bars to achieve an aero position (at the expense of control and no brakes!)
Incidentally this video also nicely demonstrates how much wider your elbows naturally stick out on a flat bar compared to a drop-bar, but these are quite wide bars. But it's the flat grip that tends to push out your elbows compared to a vertical grip on the hoods. Would it be more dangerous riding side-by-side in a group? Well it would require more road space for sure.
Also here are some aero numbers for various positions on a drop-bar.
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/05/real...s-are-fastest/
#50
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
Pretty much all of it.
Starting with the hoods on a drop bar, they are actually the most aero position if you bend your forearms parallel to the ground. This position is more aero than actually riding in the drops.
Riding more upright on the hoods is still more aero than a flat bar, which will tend to push your elbows further out because of your flat grip.
This video shows the different positions quite well (although it's not very scientific) and a cheat using flat bars to achieve an aero position (at the expense of control and no brakes!)
Incidentally this video also nicely demonstrates how much wider your elbows naturally stick out on a flat bar compared to a drop-bar, but these are quite wide bars. But it's the flat grip that tends to push out your elbows compared to a vertical grip on the hoods. Would it be more dangerous riding side-by-side in a group? Well it would require more road space for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqSbc0qjVZk
Also here are some aero numbers for various positions on a drop-bar.
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/05/real...s-are-fastest/
Starting with the hoods on a drop bar, they are actually the most aero position if you bend your forearms parallel to the ground. This position is more aero than actually riding in the drops.
Riding more upright on the hoods is still more aero than a flat bar, which will tend to push your elbows further out because of your flat grip.
This video shows the different positions quite well (although it's not very scientific) and a cheat using flat bars to achieve an aero position (at the expense of control and no brakes!)
Incidentally this video also nicely demonstrates how much wider your elbows naturally stick out on a flat bar compared to a drop-bar, but these are quite wide bars. But it's the flat grip that tends to push out your elbows compared to a vertical grip on the hoods. Would it be more dangerous riding side-by-side in a group? Well it would require more road space for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqSbc0qjVZk
Also here are some aero numbers for various positions on a drop-bar.
https://cyclingtips.com/2021/05/real...s-are-fastest/