Shoulder width vs. bar width

[7rider]

Wow. Thanks. This is all very useful, and it's making me wonder if my 42 cm bars are too wide. I'm currently off the bike with neck spasms, shoulder irritation and median nerve irritation. I wonder, tho', if it really IS the handlebars, as all of my ailments are on one side only.

GLC1968 - did you have pain in both arms or just one?

My shop has offered to re-fit me to the bike. I may take them up on that, and focus on the handlebars, as that is one of the major components I recently changed on the bike.

[SouthernBelle]

I cruised around the net for appropriately sized bars and ran across THIS ONE.

Is anyone familiar with it?

[kaybee]

I have those bars on my bike and like them.

KB

[SouthernBelle]

I have those bars on my bike and like them.

KB

Thanks. May be my next purchase.

[emily_in_nc]

I love Salsa Pocos. Even in the narrower widths (I have 38 cm), they feel wide because they have such a nice wide flat section on top before the bend begins. I also love that they are shallow, so I can ride comfortably in the drops, and I like the little anatomic bend in the drops as well. I've recommended these bars many times before.

Emily

[7rider]

I had my chiropractor show me my A/C joint today. She measured it for me: 41 cm. I'm pretty broad shouldered (In fact, my surname in Italian is said to mean "broad shoulders" so I guess I am true to my name!).

My bars are Easton EC70 wings with a 85 mm reach and a 145 mm drop (for my 42). Compare that to the Salsa Pocos with a 70 reach and a 140 drop (for the 38's). What does that get me??? Confused!!

It seems like my handlebars are fine for me. Maybe it is computer time after all that's my problem.

[velogirl]

Regina, at 41cm you should be just fine on a 42cm bar. You mention your symptoms are on one side only? Just curious, but which side? And are you left-handed or right-handed? And do you mouse a lot?

Lorri