Road handlebar angst

[rij73]

Thanks guys!

Liza: Don't know how I missed that. I currently use a Deda Piega in a 42, so I bet that bar would work great. There's even one my size on Ebay right now. Keeping an eye on it...

Mayanorange: Yeah, it does look like a sweet bar. I will consider just waiting until I can justify it along with a new stem. Like I said, there is no hurry... I just love obsessing over these little details.

[VeloVT]

I have the FSA Wing Pro compact bar too. I did not know the the hood measurement was narrower, so I ordered a 38. It's actually alright for me, but I think I'd prefer the 40... always something to change, right? It's ok for now but I might get a larger bar down the road.

Other than that, it's a nice bar. The shape of the drops is very comfortable, and, although I don't use the tops very often, the wing shape is really, really nice.

[elk]

I held that bar in my hands today and it is calling to me!!! Liza, that was your first suggestion when I was going through bar angst a while ago.

i got shims on my brake levers (yay!)

As soon as I figure out my best stem angle* (I've got an adjustable now) I'm ready to get a 31.8 stem so I can get that bar...it's perfect!! (the FSA wing pro compact)

There is one called shallow..that's a different bar from the compact it seems...is it?

*how DOES one figure out which stem to buy?

[VeloVT]

*how DOES one figure out which stem to buy?

The people who care about style will tell you to pick a stem from the same manufacturer as the bar (Deda bar? Deda stem. FSA bar? FSA stem). It's as silly as any other style rule, but honestly, it's as good a criterion as any -- otherwise there are lots of choices that are all equally good, and there's really no non-arbitrary way to choose between them.

Then just pick the lightest stem your budget will allow, that comes in the angle you need.

**I bought an FSA OS-99 stem to go with my Wing Pros. However, I did need a longer stem. If the stock stem had been the right length, I would NOT have bought a new one just to match the brands.

[elk]

i meant more in terms of length and angle....

I just angled my adjustable up a few cm and will try that. It was straight before and I've been having a bit of wrist pain.

I also noticed that I frequently have my hands a iittle behind the hoods...

[VeloVT]

Can you have a fitting done at the shop? That way they can try some different stems on during the fitting, and have you pedal for a little while on the trainer and see what feels best.

[elk]

i was afraid that was the answer!!! not really really afraid....

i stayed up late looking at Ritchey and Thomson stems........