Handlebar

Cork24

I have a Cube Agree SL

which Syntace Handlebars came with it, i am now in the Market for a new Set of Handlebars, i feel my fingers do get "Numb" after a while on the bike, Im hoping that i could find a bar that is wide enough to hold that does not put to much pressure on the hands..

I was looking at http://www.wiggle.co.uk/3t-ergonova-ltd-carbon-road-handlebar/

could any one tell me are those any good, or could offer a better one for around the same price or less ?

enoonan

I have the Alu version on my Spec Allez and I love them. Very comfortable and light. Can't comment on the carbon version I am afraid.

Eoin

colm_gti

OT but how safe are carbon handlebars in the event of a spill/crash? Would hate to end up with half of it separated from the rest of the handlebar halfway down a descent having fallen like a noob...

Cork24

colm_gti wrote: »

OT but how safe are carbon handlebars in the event of a spill/crash? Would hate to end up with half of it separated from the rest of the handlebar halfway down a descent having fallen like a noob...

What would you pick as a a good handle bar ?

colm_gti

Cork24 wrote: »

What would you pick as a a good handle bar ?

Don't really know much about them to be honest, ritchey wcs logic 2 maybe?

coastwatch

It's very unlikely your existing handlebar (design) is causing the numb sensation, so no point in changing bars if that's the problem you're trying to fix. The more common cause would be too much pressure on the hands because the bars are too low relative to the seat. To correct this, you could raise the bars (10-20mm) by moving any spacers currently above the stem to below the stem. If thats not possible, you might be able to to flip the stem so that it rises more, or you could get a new stem with a higher rise. Your local bike shop should be able to make these changes to your setup if you're not sure.

Are you wearing padded gloves?
Are you re-positioning your hands from time to time on your cycle?

Cork24

Are you wearing padded gloves?

Some times..


Are you re-positioning your hands from time to time on your cycle?

Yes i re-position my heads every 5 minutes..

I was thinking of replacing the handlebars either way to give me a stronger grip.

colm_gti

colm_gti wrote: »

OT but how safe are carbon handlebars in the event of a spill/crash? Would hate to end up with half of it separated from the rest of the handlebar halfway down a descent having fallen like a noob...

BTW sorry if that seems like I was making a dig at you, I genuinely wasn't, I was just asking the question as I still tend to forget I'm clipped to the bike, and had been looking at carbon bars

Cork24

colm_gti wrote: »

BTW sorry if that seems like I was making a dig at you, I genuinely wasn't, I was just asking the question as I still tend to forget I'm clipped to the bike, and had been looking at carbon bars

oh i know, either way if you do crash while clipped in, I think handlebars will be the lest of your worries.

doozerie

I have the 3T Ergonova Pro (i.e. aluminium) bars. I like the shape - both the ovalised flat section and the shape of the drops.

Personally I'm not a fan of carbon fibre handlebars, purely because I'd be concerned about them getting damaged too easily (e.g. if the bike simply fell over badly), but there is an element of paranoia about that view on my part which is perhaps entirely irrational. If I were buying carbon bars though I'd consider 3T Ergonova Team rather than 3T Ergonova LTD - there is a significant difference in price (Team is over 20% cheaper) and from what little I've read about the two the only difference is that the LTD is lighter and perhaps more fragile as a result (the LTD has variable thickness walls whereas the Team has consistent thickness of walls).

Oh, and beware that the Ergonova bars, and perhaps all 3T bars, are measured at the ends of the drops. As the drops flare out a little this means that where the hoods sit is narrower than the stated measurement. For example, my 40cm bars are actually 38cm where the hoods sit.

Cork24

Thanks for the info, i have a 60cm Bike, what size 3T should i be going for ?

Are the 3T worth the Money or would i be better off Buying a new Seat Post & Saddle for that price ?

doozerie

You have three measures that you get to choose from for drop handlebars - width, reach (horizontal distance from flats of bars to where the hoods sit), and drop (vertical distance from top of bars to lower part of bars). There is no simple choice of handlebar, in reality, but having said that many people simply choose a bar based on width only. The width is not based on the size of your frame, it is based on your physical dimensions. Some useful fit info here and comparative info here.

Measure your shoulder width to determine bar width, but be careful how you measure your shoulders as there are various methods not all of which produce the same measure. There is one school of thought that says that people overestimate the handlebar width they need and that 40cm is as wide as anyone needs - that's a very contentious view, but does highlight the importance of measuring your shoulder width accurately (the assumption is that people all too frequently measure incorrectly).

Bars with a shorter drop are usually referred to as compact bars, regardless of brand. Shorter drop can make it easier to spend time in the drops section of the bars as it reduces the strength and flexibility needed to use the drops relative to traditional (i.e. deep) drops. 3T Ergonova are compact bars, as are 3T Ergosum, for example.

Shorter reach basically positions the hoods closer to you, so if have short arms/torso, prefer a more upright position, your frame's top tube is a little long, etc., then shorter reach can appeal. It's very much down to personal preference too.

Cork24

Thanks for the tips, I will get my brother to measure my shoulder width,