Narrow Handlebars

[timeshifting]

Roguedog, that link was really helpful, certainly helps to have an understanding of the different styles

Turns out I'm after shallow bars, as my current ones are in fact 70mm reach and 132mm drop. I'm pretty happy with the shape of the drops on these, so both the Salsa Poco and Specialized Ruby look like good options.

So yesterday I got to try out a heap of WSD bikes. First I tried 40cm bars, and you're right Martian, the width of these felt sooo much better than mine. I was also able to try 36 and 38cm bars. The 36 was definitely too narrow. The 38 felt really good, I think it was also the best fit for shoulders, elbows and wrists being in line.

I bought some cheap 38cm ones (120 drop, 80 reach), so I could try them out for width. I test rode them today, width wise they're really good, but climbing not so much, as it was much harder to get the bike to rock from side to side out of saddle. I'm not sure if that's just because I'm not used to the narrower bars - how does everyone else find climbing on 38s?

I'm quite tempted to go for the 40cm Specialized Ruby, since they're half price and some of the roads around here are rough as, plus they'll get here on same day courier Several of you mentioned you ride both [widths], do you think I should run with 38s? Or would 40s be a better/worse option, esp. for climbing?

For those that have the Salsa Pocos in Alloy, can they take clip on aero bars? I know the carbon ones won't, but it might be a point in their favour if they could as I'm thinking of adding those in future and Alloy is more durable...

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Update: Decided to go with the alloy Salsa Poco, based on the recommendations above and several other good reviews, in 40cm width for a bit more leverage on climbs. Thanks everyone for your help, really appreciated it!