Handlebars too wide?

[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