handlebars?

[Veronica]

For me it seems to engage the butt and hamstrings more than the quads.

V.

[Surlygirl]

Being fairly short and reach always being a problem, I have Salsa Moto Ace short and shallow drop handlebars (see aebike.com) and short reach shimano levers. My bars are turned a bit down at the ends and I've fiddled with the levers to get the hoods in good position. The handlebars come in different widths also so you can get the right shoulder width. See also girlbike.com and I think Crystal shows and tells about handlebars and placement.
Hope this helps. I also have the xtra levers on the tops so I can ride upright if I want and I think they are a win win. I have never had a problem with stopping. The guy at the LBS recommended and put them on for me.

[shewhobikes]

more good stuff. Geez, I'm so glad I posted this. I'm learning there's infinite possibilities, limited only by my wallet and our imaginations. Crystal does have an article on handlebars that was very useful, esp. her explanation of how to measure for width. I will definitely get the LBS to do that for me as long as we're on this subject.

[LBTC]

thank you, ladies! So much to read and digest!!

thanks to you all, and to some weird competitiveness (does anyone else get this?) I have with a local female rider who will also being racing at the first MTB race I do this year May 7 (I can't believe it's so soon) who has been out training on her road bike I realize that I *must* make my road-bike more *me* friendly! I'll be researching and reading a bit more this evening and will order a new bar and new saddle and new computer tonight.

That 3T bar the MM posted looks mighty fine! but I'll keep reading

many thanks
Namaste,
~T~