Forum menu
I'd always assumed the levers on those types of bars should angle in towards the front wheel slightly, to match the angle of the drops - otherwise you will need to pull your fingers back a long way to get them around the levers when on the drops - or you have to angle your wrists backwards. But give it a go and adjust as needed. It's about comfort for you, not some theoretical 'rule'
I see what you mean. It felt ok when I was riding - I think as the bars are so wide my arms were angled in that direction.
I’ll give it another try, though, before I put the tape on, and I’ll bear your comment in mind.
Finally some bar tape arrived to enable me to have a play.
You can see old lever position (background) after I've rolled the bars flatter. The new rolled up bars with moved down lever position does indeed increase reach, a lot. I've moved saddle forward.
To me it looks like your bars have a classic bend, where you're not supposed to get a flat ramp leading into the hoods. Like on Scotroutes' first photo above. That way you just hook your thumbs on the lever, which really isn't the way modern brake levers are meant to be used. It will also lower your hood position significantly.
So new bars might be in order...
I'd roll the bar forward and move the lever up the bar a bit (quite a lot, actually).
I’d roll the bar forward and move the lever up the bar a bit (quite a lot, actually).
Which would take me back to my starting position, that doesn't work for me...
I do think new bars may be needed...
I don't think you're far off. I'd move the hoods up a touch, not much, and you're about there.
That's what I've settled on @lunge - bars as is, shifter nudged up a touch.
Give it a go, but you may prefer a bar that has the same shape at the top but curves round closer to flat (or even slightly upward) at the end.
I certainly like that kind of shape, so I've got something to push against when honking out of the saddle.
Matt,
The bottom section of your bars should be parallel to the floor (or as near as dammit).
How tall are you? I'd wager your bars are too high, and your saddle is too high - this is a combination that'll force you in to an upright position. Lower both, and try and stretch out more.
The bottom section of your bars should be parallel to the floor (or as near as dammit).
I don't think this is true. Modern bars come in such a variety of shapes this would really curtail your fit options if it's even possible.
I tweaked the bars on my new bike and the position I ended up with is pretty much the same as how it is in this pic, maybe rotated forwards a smidge:
[img] 
[/img]
The bottom section of your bars should be parallel to the floor (or as near as dammit).
The 90's called and want their bike-fit back.
The 90’s called and want their bike-fit back
Out of order. In the 90s we actually looked at the rider on his bike before advising.
I have the same problem with reach to the levers. From experience a short reach and drop works best for me. I set my bars with an imaginary ball bearing in the open end that would slowly roll out. So,not parallel to the ground. Then hoods which would give as smooth a transition as possible from top of bar to top of hood.
The bottom section of your bars should be parallel to the floor (or as near as dammit).
So slightly worse than I had to start with?
I've only done one short ride so far. It feels a longer reach, however the drops and reach to levers is much better, my wrists also felt less 'pulled'.
The bottom section of your bars should be parallel to the floor (or as near as dammit).
1. "ground" no need to thank me 🙂
2. I set mine with a bit of a tilt, perfectly flat means my wrist is bent uncomfortably on the flat section. But they aren't compacts.
3. Not sure I would say everyone should have their bars set up a specific way, you can then get into stuff like KOPS which I don't agree with.
An update.
The bars are better rolled up more and levers further around. I prefer them.
I am still not convinced that I have the 'right' shape of bar for me / my wrists. It is princess and pea stuff still - it feels that when I ride on the hoods it is a good pull forward. it feels a touch 'odd' to be in the drops, it pulls my arms in (too narrow? no flare?) and means the reach to the brake constantly feels a stretch in my hand.
Please recommend some other bars to try - I ride 80% road, less reach would still be good. Cheap too as I cannot spend dafty money trying out ideas.