handlebar width

[madscot13]

I've been thinking of picking up a set of Salsa Pocos. I can't figure out which size I need. I can't even figure out how to figure out which size I have now. Do I measure center to center or end to end? what happens if I choose the wrong size?

[VeloVT]

To determine width, you want to measure from one bony end of your shoulder to the other. Some people like to use exactly this width, some like to go up 2cm or so. I measure 38 cm and I'm more comfortable on 38 cm (c-c) bars than 40 cm (c-c) bars, but some people feel like they get more leverage from a bigger bar. I would buy a 40 cm bar if the bar I was considering were measured outside to outside. One thing about 38 cm bars -- you lose A LOT of real estate on the tops, even compared to 40 cm bars. This isn't a big issue for me because I almost never ride on the tops, but it's something to consider.

As far as whether to measure outside to outside or center to center -- this depends completely on the manufacturer. I would say it's a little more common to measure c-c than o-o, but you just don't know until you check.

[divingbiker]

Hey, madscot, I have some 38cm Salsa Poco bars that you can check out to see if they'd work. If they do, I'll sell them to you cheap. They were too narrow for me. Maybe we can meet somewhere downtown so I can give them to you to try.

[madscot13]

but seriously how can you tell of handlebars are the correct width. I search online and I saw people with handlebars with draped on their shoulders. where is supposed to hit?

[SouthernBelle]

There is some personal preference in this, some like their bars a little wider as they feel it opens up their chest for breathing. I'm riding Poco 38s which are about the same width as my shoulders.