Are narrow handlebars better?

In all likelihood you could benefit from downsizing your handlebar width, to improve comfort with a better fit. 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).

Are 40cm bars too narrow?

Other pros also use relatively narrow bars: 40 and 42 cm are the norm. Few riders need bars as narrow as Jan-Willem van Schip’s 38s, but 40–42 cm seems to work well for many riders. For me, 44 cm-wide bars are too wide for comfort on long rides.

What diameter are drop bars?

23.8 mm
Standard road drop handlebars (including track, cyclocross and touring bars) use a 23.8 mm (15⁄16 in) grip/lever diameter, which is matched only to road bike type shifters or brake levers. This diameter is usually not important for grips since these bars most often are wrapped in tape.

How are drop bar widths measured?

The bar’s drop is measured from the center of the flat top section to the center of the bar at the deepest point of the drop. A shallow drop (125mm or less) means your body position changes less drastically from hood to drop than it would with a deep drop of 130mm or more.

Are narrow handlebars faster?

With narrow bars, the rider’s frontal area is more compact, making it possible to push through the air quicker and easier.

Are narrow bars more aero?

Compact drop should be more aero than classic drop. Narrow is faster. Aero tops are faster.

What is standard handlebar diameter?

31.8mm
The most common diameter is 31.8mm, but older bars can be 25.4mm and there’s even an oversize 35mm standard being introduced by Race Face that promises even greater strength and stiffness.

What is the standard handlebar grip diameter?

Standard handlebar grip area diameters. There are only two current standard sizes: Flat bars have a 22.2 mm (7/8″) grip area diameter. Road (“drop”) bars have a 23.8 mm (15/16″) grip area diameter.

How wide should my MTB bars be?

Stem length also comes into play; typically, the longer your stem, the narrower you may want your bar width. If you’re running a stem that is 50 mm or less I’d suggest a 760 mm to 800 mm bar. If your stem is over 50mm, I’d start looking at bars less than 760mm wide.

Are there any track bikes that have narrower handlebars?

Pro track riders have been using narrow handlebars for years, and some bikes at the Tour de France have been seen fitted with them too. While aerodynamics aren’t top priority for everyone, narrow bars do offer potential gains for us all.

Why do we need to drop the drop bars?

9 Reasons To Drop The Drop Bars. Descending is a pleasure with a wide handlebar and good access to your brake levers. 1. Better Bike Handling. The handlebar grips are two-out-of-five attachment points between your body and the bike, and arguably, they’re also the two most important.

What are the different types of drop bars?

One such component—and perhaps the one experiencing the most fluctuation and innovation at the moment—are drop-handlebars, aka flared drop bars, gravel bars, or dirt-drops. This style of handlebar is quite useful, and the range of options and variations can be mind boggling.

What kind of drop bars do you need for a fixed gear bike?

Drop bars provide your single speed bike or fixed gear bike with a true track bike look. You will find these typical drop bars on bikes such as the State Bicycle Co Black Label range.