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.

[Kathi]

Cindywon,

The answer is yes, even if your bike frame fits you too wide handlebars can cause your hands to curve like that.

My handlebars were 38 cm, I rode with that size for years but I had problems reaching my brakes and shifters. I attributed it to small hands, and since my bike components were chosen for me I didn't even suspect the width of the handlebars.

I built a new bike last year and was searching for handlebars that would give me a better reach to the brakes. In the process of being measured I discovered that I needed a 34 cm handlebar. Mine were 38 cm. The only handlebar that I've found that small is the Modolo Venus.

I now have the smaller handlebars on both my bikes and what a difference! I no longer curve my hands to reach the shifters, I can reach the brake levers easily and I use Campy shifters which cannot be shimmed. And the handling of the old bike is better.

Another advantage of the Modolo Venus handlebars is their design. The bend comes in closer to the brake lever so short fingers can reach the levers.

If your having problems with lever reach even with shims I would look for the Venus bar or 3T Eva. Both are designed for better reach from the drops.

[KnottedYet]

I switched from 42 cm Cinellis to 40 cm Salsa Short and Shallows, and the difference was miraculous. Even a small change can do wonders!

[velogirl]

In addition to the narrower bar, you might consider shimming your levers (assuming you have Shimano components). It's difficult for many women (with smaller hands) to comfortably engage their brakes from the hoods, so adding shims will help (and will also improve your reach from the drops). You can puchase shims at the bike shop (and they can install them) or you can diy by installing adhesive felt furniture pads to the inside of the lever while it's open. You might need to adjust your brakes after doing this.

Hope this helps!

[cindywon]

Just an update... I went to a bike store today, and apparently I should be using 36cm handlebars, no wonder my handlebars (42cm) felt so uncomfortable!

Thanks for all the info