Quote Originally Posted by Sardine View Post
Knotted, thank you! I've done the measurement and my neutral position is not 36cm, but a shade under 34cm? Can this be? My head now hurts but I'm glad I've learnt this given its importance. This will be my starting point for the decision. Thank goodness the bike is only due mid-Sept.
My neutral measurement is 33 cm. The 34 cm bar puts my hands slightly wider than my neutral. I also have short arms, which I would think affects the reach to the hoods, and 1st grade sized hands which affects my reach to the brake lever while in the drops. Modolo Venus bars are designed for smaller hands so I can use campy components.

BTW, the handling of my bike is not twitchy and I don't have a problem breathing while climbing. I comfortably ride in the hoods and drops, and can reach my brake levers etc. The smaller bars have really helped my confidence on downhills because I've learned to descend while in my drops and I know I can reach my brakes for slowing or stopping..

When I had the Deda 4 girls I didn't feel comfortable in my drops and couldn't reach my brake levers. I mostly rode with my hands on top of the bar because that is where I felt more comfortable. I used my brakes from the hoods so I had less power braking. Even though my frame was correct size and fitted I still had shoulder soreness and rode with stiff elbows.

Here in Colorado I've ridden some really scary terrain. The smaller bars make the difference between riding vs walking or sagging down.

The Modolo Venus bars aren't fancy but they do their job and I'm very happy with them.