handlebars for road bike

baldshaunieb

I am looking to change my handlebars, currently i am using a 44cm carbon road bike handlebar - bought on ebay from china. its ok, but at times i wonder if i could be doin better. How do you decide what width handlebars ya should be using? also - any suggestions for a new set? I was looking online and came across a pic of a specialised tarmac pro - i like the look of the handlebars on it (the rest of the bike looked pretty feckin good too!) - any idea what kind of bars they are/how much/and if they are crazy money - where i can get a cheaper but similar version???? again thanks to all!

blorg

The general guideline for width is that they should match your shoulder bones, but personal preference comes in. Generally too small will feel cramped while too wide is not such a problem from a comfort point of view, just less aero.

As to shape otherwise there are lots of variations, mostly down to personal preference. What I would say is to get a shape you like, no point spending a fortune on carbon bars if the shape doesnt suit, alloy in the right shape would be better.

Lumen

I went through a few cheap alloy bars until I found a shape I liked.

This article, whilst old, gives an idea of the differrent shapes available.

Regarding width, my personal strategy is to keep going narrower until you have problems breathing. :pac: