Handlebar Widths

[jethro10]

Hi,
It wasn't something I paid much attention to, but we've been upgrading and repairing and tweaking the wife's MTB over winter, and she had compained about various things.
Well after some experimentation, found her bars were quite wide and she is only 5' 2" and we've ended up fitting a narrow one to her likeing.


anyhow, I'm not here to debate how we got her where she now happily is, but when looking over Chainreaction for flat bars for her, I noticed apart from various special bars, there are two main camps. Bars approx 580-600mm and 680mm ish.
thinking about it, I have no idea why there are two broad sizes - anyone any ideas? men and women?
Why wouldn't i use a 580? I currently have 680 it seems!

Thinking about it, with different sized people I would have though it more common to have bars that most people cut to size but this doesn't seem common.

thanks
Jeff

 

[zizou]

Narrower bars (with a longer stem) are more suited for relatively flat cross country riding - they allow for more aerodynamic position and efficient for longer distances whereas wider bars are more suited for what is now marketed as 'all mountain' style riding as wider bars (usually with a shorter stem) give you considerably more control particularly for the descents.

It is as much about personal preferance though - and fashion too, wasn't so long ago that bars at 580 were considered wide. Generally if you were to cut the bars to size for a compromise between wide and narrow then they should be slightly wider than shoulders.

 

[Codboy]

The width of the handlebar obviously is important in relation to the rider and nature of cycling. I come across people who complain about tightness in the lower neck / upper chest region at work. It transpires that these people have one thing in common which is 'hunching' of the shoulders when riding. This compresses ribs No1 and gives you the ache in that region.


It may be worth experimenting before customising.

Cheers
Codboy

 

[henshaw11]

It does seem to be that wide bars are the norm nowadays - the flat bars I have on a '96 Stumpjumper look positively skinny - I've guess somewhere around the 520mm mark.
Bear in mind the roadie guide is - or used to be at least - to just be able to drop a set of dropped bars over your shoulders - ie your hands should be about shoulder width apart - in relation to codboy's post. Wider's fine, narrower probably isn't.

 

[rodgy-dodge]

Bought my bike last August it came with the wider bars, my old one had the narrower bars...gives you more stability apparently. I agree with what most people have said here...They guy in the bike shop told me that most new bikes come with the wider bars now and to let him know if I like them or not on its first service and he would cut them for me. I must admit I do like the wider bars I don't get that burning feeling in the shoulders anymore and it is better for altering your hand position haven't had the need to put my bull bars on this one.

 

[Muddy Ground]

Don't worry about the fashion of it - just fit what she likes and is comfortable with. The wider bars just mean a bit more control when you up the speed or hit more technical stuff; added leverage / slower reaction times / more stability. Narrow bars aren't wrong at all, especially if you like the Euro look. I have narrow on my cross-country bike, and wide on the loon machine just 'cause it all works well that way.

Wider bars also allow better breathing by opening the chest cavity up. Apparently.

Nothing to do with being male or female, short or tall by the way.

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