Favorite Handlebars?

[rhiannon008]

Hi!

I just purchased a new cervelo r3, but I need to swap out the handlebars ,40cm FSA SLK Carbon (anyone interested in them, PM me). I need opinions on which bar to use as its replacement. The fact that I need an 31.8 OS 38cm bar, and prefer a more classic/ergo shape with a short reach seems to limit my choices. I actually prefer alloy bars, but I am totally willing to consider carbon if the feedback I get on them is really positive. I have been looking at the Bontrager Fit VR, as well as the FSA Wing Pro Compact online. From what I can tell, their shape seems pretty nice, and the weight is fairly decent. Unfortunately, I have not been able to ride, or even see either bar up close. I would really appreciate any imput from smaller riders, or anyone who uses a handlebar that offers a 38cm size.

Thanks~

Rhiannon

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I went from a Nitto Noodle road drop bar to a Salsa Poco bar recently. I wanted shorten my reach, which it did by 2cm.
I LOVE this bar! It not only brought my reach back but it eliminated 75% of the elbow pain I was having in one elbow. I love the ergo bumps too (though some people don't like ergo bumps). It is a slightly shorter reach than the Salsa "Short n Shallow" bars too. (read the specs on the link below)
Comes in size 38 and also comes in either black aluminum or carbon. I got the alum. because I didn't want to have to change my stem too, plus it was cheaper.

Here's the Salsa site, but you can also shop around online for the best price once you decide what you want. I paid $50 for my alum. Poco bars.
http://www.salsacycles.com/handlebars.html

LunaCycles uses these bars standard for their women's bikes. All they make are women's bikes for the past 12 years. So I figured they should know something!
I can't say enough good things about the Pocos.

[SouthernBelle]

I love my pocos too. But I don't think they come in a 31.8

[ehirsch83]

I am curious as to the reason why you prefer alloy bars over carbon. I have found that anything with aluminum echos the road vibrations versus carbon which dampens it. Definitaly curious to find out others reasons for liking the alloy!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Like I said, I didn't get the carbon only because the alloy bar was cheaper and because I would have had to get a whole new stem as well. Would have cost me about $100 more overall! So I got the alum alloy Poco bars.
Carbon bars have a thicker diameter where they sit in the stem than aluminum 26mm diameter bars. Carbon bars need stems made for carbon bar diameter.

[rhiannon008]

I also prefer the alloy because the price is right, and the weights are pretty comparable for the size that I need. I also plan on eventually racing, and I am concerned that a crash could cause $200 carbon bars to fail in a major way. Personally, the most comfortable bars that I ever used were OEM bars from a Giant that my bike fitter swapped for my Deda 215 Shallows. Unfortunately, I can't find them in an OS model to fit the stem that came with my new Cervelo, and I am wary of using a shim in my current stem.

~Rhiannon

[ehirsch83]

Rhiannon- On the crash aspect, you get a warranty when you buy bars,through most companies, and they are covered in a crash(so are wheels,frames,etc)

[emily_in_nc]

<raising hand>

Another very happy Salsa Poco 38cm bar user here (alloy version).

Emily

[rhiannon008]

I am sure carbon is a perfectly suitable handlebar material for alot of riders, but I have always been satisfied with the performance and value of alloy. On a full carbon frameset, I think some gel tape and my favorite Bontrager Buzzkill handlebar plugs should work nicely for me. I do wish the Salsa came in a 31.8 for me to try (nice drop and reach numbers), but I don't want the additonal expense of replacing my stem. Thanks for the suggestions thus far, and keep them coming!

~Rhiannon

[SouthernBelle]

Does the Salsa Short n Shallow come in a 31?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Does the Salsa Short n Shallow come in a 31?

Look on the Salsa website for which I included a link above.

[HillSlugger]

The website says yes for 31.8. I think that's what I just switched to. Haven't used them enough to state an opinion.

[dex]

I have the Bontrager FIT VR bar and I love it, though I am definitely not narrow through the shoulders--mine are 42cm, and quite honestly I could probably go up to a 44. (I'm kind of ridiculously broad-shouldered for a 5'4" girl/lady/woman/whatever.)

I wanted these because of the tight drops and lack of ergo bump, and I definitely wasn't disappointed. My last handlebar (I don't remember the model) had the ergo bump, and that was never comfortable for me--it never seemed to matter where I positioned my hands, they just always felt awkward and I've never had that issue since making the switch.

[Beane]

is the ergo bump the bump on the diagonally down/drop part-- to fit in your palm? or is it in the shape of the actual bar? (sorry if that makes no sense...)

[SouthernBelle]

Look on the Salsa website for which I included a link above.

I was too lazy to do that myself.

& yes beane, it's that bump in the drops.

Ritchey has several smaller bars too.