handlebars?

[shewhobikes]

Sounds like I have a couple of options. I will talk to LBS about adjusting the levers closer to the drops. Either that, or we could order WDS/smaller hand design from somewhere, if the shop doesn't have in stock, to replace. Either way I understand I'll have to adjust my hand position a bit on the hoods. Good deal! Y'all are the best. Thanks, and I'll report back when I get this situated.

[Veronica]

Alison said - You must have a very strong butt.

I think so too. That was my reaction the first time I rode that way accidentally. My after work ride has a nice curvy downhill followed by a short steep uphill. And I just felt so strong in that position. God knows your butt ought to be good for something !

V.

[MightyMitre]

I have small hands so find it hard to reach the brakes in the drops and to brake effectively on the hoods, so I got a set of 3T handle bars.http://www.3ttt.com/ing/fr_curve.htm
(Click on Choose the Product, then select 'Eva' )

They're made specifically for smaller hands and they do several different sorts. The ones I've got are actually aimed more at touring bikes,but the shape of them means they bring your hands closer to the levers when in the drops.

Also, if you're riding Shimano you can adjust a screw just inside the lever which pulls it in closer to the handlebars .You need to get the brake cable shortened but your LBS can do this for you very easily. This helped a lot as you don't need to pull so hard on the brakes to get them to work.

Hope this helps.

[slinkedog]

Does being in the drops on climbs work your butt? I thought the cycling gods proclaimed that being more upright was the preferred way to climb because it did engage your low back and glutes in the effort, whereas being in the drops puts most of workload on your quads. I could be totally wrong tho. If climbing in the drops works your butt, I'll have to try it. My butt needs a lot o' work!

[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~

[emily_in_nc]

I will check on Terry. I want to use the drops more for descents and when I'm facing a strong headwing.

I'd also like to recommend Salsa Poco handlebars. I've got the Terry bars on my Terry bike, but spec'd out Salsa Pocos on my Aegis and Bike Friday, having heard good things about them. I much prefer the Pocos. They have more of a flat section up top (more room for gadgets and hands!) than the Terrys and a nice little ergonomic "bump" in the drop section. They are also a "short and shallow" bar made for women that help with a shorter reach. Check 'em out!

Emily

[shewhobikes]

Well it took me all week to get back to the LBS. I wanted to ride this morning but it was chilly and VERY windy so tackled this issue instead. The best fitter there worked with me for a while and we decided the answer would be a new short, shallow handlebar with closer levers. He pointed out that my current bars, at 42 inches wide (from center to center) had me angling my arms out just a bit, and that their design really didn't allow me to bend my elbows much. (The new one will be 40 inches.)

So, ta da! I should get the new bars mid-week. Thanks, everybody, for all the good advice! I'll report back after I do the test drive.

And, on another note, we installed the clipless pedals. Gulp. Tomorrow will be warmer and calmer so I intend to ride around on the grass and practice.

[CorsairMac]

Congrats Shew - I hope the new handlebars work for you! What pedals did you get btw??......I want to put some on the new (to me) road bike and I'm just curious.