Are 40cm handlebars too narrow?

In reality, whether a handlebar feels wide or narrow will depend on the characteristics of any given cyclist, to a degree. A 40cm handlebar, for example, might feel relatively wide to someone with narrow shoulders, but could also feel relatively narrow to a rider with broad shoulders.

Are wider road handlebars better?

It’s often said handlebars should match shoulder width, though in reality too much fuss is made about the importance of shoulder width when choosing a bar. Wider bars may also help riders who suffer shoulder tension, neck pain, jaw pain or hand fatigue from the ‘death grip’ they have due to riding narrow bars.

Why do road bikes have weird handlebars?

That modification for racers was the drop handlebar. It had just one purpose–to bend the rider from an eight-foot-tall wind obstacle to a seven-foot-tall wind obstacle. There was still the matter of wind and falling from great heights. Bicycles had become their own safety issue.

How wide should handlebars be on road bike?

The standard fitting advice is to get a handlebar as wide as the measurement between your AC joints. Those are the bumps atop your shoulders where the collarbone attaches just inboard of your deltoid muscle. But many riders prefer a handlebar slightly wider than their shoulders. A wide bar opens the chest.

Why are handlebars so narrow?

Narrower handlebars are also more aerodynamic. They help to reduce the frontal area of your torso, so reduce wind resistance (think of the TT position). This is the main reason that most professionals are downsizing their bars.

What is standard handlebar width?

Width: Most companies measure a bar’s width between the center of each drop. Common sizes are 38, 40, 42, and 44cm.

How do I choose the right size handlebars?

The rule of thumb when selecting the correct handlebar width is to measure the distance between the two bony bits on your shoulders – in more scientific terms the distance between your two acromioclavicular (AC) joints. This measurement gives you a baseline – if it’s 38cm, look for 38cm bars – and so on.

Is handlebar too wide?

Notice the high elbows and shrugged shoulders? If you are most comfortable on your bars in this position, it’s quite possible they are too wide. Also notice the positioning of his elbows: They’re closer to the level of the bar instead of closer to the level of the shoulder.

Why do road bikes have drop bars?

Drop bars allow you to crouch down and reduce drag. This position can greatly increase your speed and efficiency. This comes in handy when you’re descending a hill, riding a long flat section, or riding into the wind.

What width handlebars do pros use?

Some sprinters like Dehaes often use narrower bars, but in the 38-40cm range. Most riders have 40-42cm bars in the pro peloton.

What are the best handlebars for road bikes?

Carbon road bike handlebars include drop bars and aero bars, however, these two are the most popular. Triathlon handlebars (also known as aero bars) allow the rider to resume a much more aerodynamic position whilst riding.

Is it better to have a wide or narrow handlebar?

But many riders prefer a handlebar slightly wider than their shoulders. A wide bar opens the chest. Some people say they breathe better because of it. A wide bar also provides more leverage for steering. It can make a twitchy bike more stable and makes a loaded bike or tandem easier to control.

What size bike bars should I get?

A rule of thumb is your bars should be the width of your shoulders. If you are just starting out in road cycling, your bike shop professional’s recommendation will be based on this. However, once you get into cycling, you may find you prefer a wider or narrower bar.

Are track bike drop bars too wide or too narrow?

Better to err on the side of too wide, than too narrow though; wider gives you more control. The traditional track bike drop bar was a variation on standard drop bars. The bar diameter for this one is 26mm; 24.8mm is also common for the traditional type. You’ll note the curve begins much earlier compared to conventional road bike drop bars.