Hardtail Handlebar width..........can I improve comfort by changing it.

[Dave7]

My hard tail is a Giant Talon.
I also have a Giant dropped bar road bike**.
When riding the hard tail I ALWAYS feel the bar is too wide for me......as though I am stretching. I always feel a little bit of trepidation when having to quickly steer around obstacles.
Not a massive problem as I don't do serious off road stuff.......Trans Penine way and farm track stuff really
I am a tad over 5' 6" and the bike is size small so I assume the bars that come with it take that into account.
I have had an adjustable stem which has helped a bit.
**I realise that switching from road to hard tail it will always seem much wider (cos it is )

So the question(s) is/are.............will getting shorter/narrower bars help.
If I change, should I get a bar that is cranked (correct word??) towards me........again to reduce the reach.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

I cut my bars down on my cargo bike. Made a world of difference and I've reduced the numbers of pedestrians I've dragged into the traffic.

I am a similar height and I have a strong upper body, so I went by comfort. I nibbled away initially. It took a second cut till it was right.

That said, I prefer 40mm bars on my tourer and Audax bikes. Go figure. Maybe I have 2 bodies?

 

[Mo1959]

As above. Decent hacksaw and cut them down and save yourself some pennies. My Charge Grater came with really wide handlebars and I cut nearly 2" off them. What a difference in comfort.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Yes sorry. I used a hacksaw with ease but some choose to use pipe cutters.

 

[User6179]

Just move the brakes/shifters and grips in a little to see if you like it .

 

[cyberknight]

shorter stem ?

 

[Crackle]

Just move the brakes/shifters and grips in a little to see if you like it .

This: Easy to do and saves you guessing.

 

[Justinitus]

Just move the brakes/shifters and grips in a little to see if you like it .

Good idea. 15mm a side off the bars on my previous Giant Roam made a big difference. Haven't done it on the new bike yet. A £3.99 pipe cutter from the local Mica Hardware store did a lovely neat job too.