Handlebars too wide?

[cindywon]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum, but here goes...

I currently have some 42cm (C-C) handlebars on my bike, and it HURTS my hands to reach the handlebars, I feel as if my hands are really stretched. This is mostly from trying to brake with my hands on the hoods.

Now, my shoulders are much narrower than my handlebars, but the question is, can too wide handlebars really make it that much harder to brake? I've tried the brake lever shims from Shimano and they really didn't help.

Thanks!

[Eden]

It sounds like your handlebars are too wide, but just getting more narrow ones may not solve your other problem of reach. Its hard to say from what you wrote - are you over-reaching? stretched out, elbows locked, etc. or is it just your hands that are too small?
If you are way stretched out it may be more than just the handlbars that is too big for you. If its just a matter of hand comfort you can play around with the positioning of your shifters to try to get a more comfortable hand position (but do check out more narrow bars too - they may help even if they are not the total solution)

[cindywon]

It sounds like your handlebars are too wide, but just getting more narrow ones may not solve your other problem of reach. Its hard to say from what you wrote - are you over-reaching? stretched out, elbows locked, etc. or is it just your hands that are too small?
If you are way stretched out it may be more than just the handlbars that is too big for you. If its just a matter of hand comfort you can play around with the positioning of your shifters to try to get a more comfortable hand position (but do check out more narrow bars too - they may help even if they are not the total solution)

I guess I should have given more information I feel as if I have to hunch and come around my handlebars to grab the brakes since they are so much wider than my shoulders. When I try and brake I have to move my shoulders / hands to "come around" and grab the brakes, and it turn also stretches my forearms and hands. I've also tried a friend's bike (larger) with narrower handlebars, and viola I could magically grab the brakes w/o hand pain.

I think the reason I'm asking here is that, it's seems sort of weird to me that too wide handlebars could cause such a problem... and I'm wondering if anyone else has ever ran into this before.

[Eden]

It's not too wierd that too wide handlebars could cause problems! I'm more suprised that you don't have neck and shoulder issues too.... I can totally see how you'd be stretching your hands out if you are that far out on the bars. Go for some smaller bars - they aren't that expensive and you should be able to find down to 38's without too much trouble - you may have to ask for them to be ordered if your shop is small though. I think some brands may even have 36's.

[cindywon]

It's not too wierd that too wide handlebars could cause problems! I'm more suprised that you don't have neck and shoulder issues too.... I can totally see how you'd be stretching your hands out if you are that far out on the bars. Go for some smaller bars - they aren't that expensive and you should be able to find down to 38's without too much trouble - you may have to ask for them to be ordered if your shop is small though. I think some brands may even have 36's.

Now that you mention it, my neck is a little sore sometimes... Is it possible to actually try out handlebars at a store? I can't imagine how this would work... I'm still a little intimated by my LBS

[mimitabby]

i got smaller handlebars and it helped. but like Eden said, it might have more to do with the problem of a top tube that is way too long for your body.