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Hello,
I am looking to replace the 40mm Specialized Comp Ergo handlebar (Drop 140 Reach 85) that came with my bike with a 36-38mm one. The stock handlebar is just too wide for me.
Currently considering the 3T Ergonova Pro (Drop 123 Reach 77) or the Salsa ProRoad Small 2 (Drop 106 Reach 76) and would like to know if anyone has experience with either one of them. Welcome recommendations for other short reach & shallow drop handlebars as well.
Many thanks for your input. :)
The Ergonova Pro is the alloy version of the Ergonova Team (carbon), which I have. If you like a shallow drop, short reach bar, as I do, you will love the shape. There is no 'ergo' bump nonsense in the drops that makes my palms ache. The tops are a little bit 'aero' but not so much so that it is uncomfortable to use; I can get a nice firm grip without that feeling that I am grabbing an airfoil. It is a comfy shape IMO.
I also find that the way they measure width must be center to center of the bottom of the bars. They splay out slightly at the drops so the tops are a little less wide than you would think they should be if looking at it by the numbers. I use size 38 and I don't feel hemmed in on the tops or stretched out in the drops; it all feels good.
Here is what I mean, compare the Salsa and 3T shapes from the front, the Salsa is more squared in overall shape and has those ergo bumps in the drops:
3T
vs
Salsa
The Specialized bar that came on my Ruby was uncomfortable. It did feel wider than the Ergonova even though they both are 38, but the difference was very small. It also has those ergo bumps so I knew it had to go after about 2 rides. I would say it is similar to the shape of the Salsa.
My Cannondale Synapse came stock with the Ergonova Pro bars, and after riding them for a year...I just recently changed them out to a more traditional round bar. I personally, did not like the egg-shaped top bar...I thought it felt too thick to grab comfortably with my hands. But I tend to have hand issues, so it may just be me. I am now using a cheap (paid $49) Bontrager bar that has a shorter reach than the 3T bar did...which brings my hoods closer to me (which is what I need). It's the VR-S 31.8 (120 drop, 70 reach)...oh and it's available in a 36 & 38.
Thank you, tzvia and nscrbug for your helpful replies. Apologize for my delayed response.
I checked the Bontager bar (Bontrager WSD VR OS?) online but it was out of stock pretty much everywhere for the size and color I was looking for. I ended up getting the 36/38 mm 3T Ergonova Pro. It made a huge difference in terms of riding comfort. I did not know how uncomfortable I was with the 40mm Specialized Comp Ergo bar until I made the switch.
Reaching the brifters in the drop had always been kind of a struggle with the old bar but now it is effortless. I am now able to stay in the drop most of the time without having my arms feeling splayed out. Also, there is no more shoulder pain and hand numbness on longer rides.
Thanks again for the helpful tips!! = )