Handlebar width?

I need some advice on handlebar width for my new mtb. I'm accustomed to my narrow-ish WSD road bike handlebars, so the mtb feels really strange to me. My new bike has bars that are almost 25" wide. I have relatively narrow shoulders, so I'm thinking something like 23.5" might be more comfortable. But I don't want to go too narrow. The fit of the bike feels pretty good to me, but I wouldn't mind being just slightly more upright. It seems to me that shortening the bars would help with this as well. But I'm totally clueless about this. Anyone have any advice for me? Thanks in advance!

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Originally Posted by RolliePollie

I need some advice on handlebar width for my new mtb. I'm accustomed to my narrow-ish WSD road bike handlebars, so the mtb feels really strange to me. My new bike has bars that are almost 25" wide. I have relatively narrow shoulders, so I'm thinking something like 23.5" might be more comfortable. But I don't want to go too narrow. The fit of the bike feels pretty good to me, but I wouldn't mind being just slightly more upright. It seems to me that shortening the bars would help with this as well. But I'm totally clueless about this. Anyone have any advice for me? Thanks in advance!

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wider = more stable. Definately ride it for a while before you go changing it ,and only cut it down in small increments.

I agree with Irulan 100%

I just took my new MTB out this weekend...the bars are 25" and way too wide for my personal preference. The bars on my old bike are 23" but I may go a tad longer on the new ride. The above poster is right- be sure to cut in small increments!