Narrowest Bars in the Peloton

[ptourkin]

This came up during the discussion on flared carbon bars. The Rompot guy who was riding in front at GW is a trackie using 32mm Nittos. He was very distinctive.

https://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/the-skinniest-bars-in-the-pro-peloton-52043/

[zross312]

The setup makes quite a bit of sense to me actually. I feel like we're in a place where functionality is being sacrificed for aesthetics, even at the pro level. I'm not sure I could go this extreme, but I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to trying it out...

This came up during the discussion on flared carbon bars. The Rompot guy who was riding in front at GW is a trackie using 32mm Nittos. He was very distinctive.

https://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/the-skinniest-bars-in-the-pro-peloton-52043/

[keevon]

Distinctive, indeed.

[pncguy]

Makes my wrists hurt!

[dddd]

It totally makes sense for a strong rider who rides at the front using that position.
He still has the drops for a wider grip while sprinting, not that all riders use the drops much for out-of-saddle efforts (it depends on the rider, and on the reach and height of the frame, stem and bar combined).

I bought a top-of-line very early-70's Gitane Super Corsa a few years back that came with original Pivo Professional 34cm bars with a normal bend. I haven't put too many miles on it but it is no problem at all doing the usual foothill rides on it with the narrow bars.

[m_sasso]

My track bars are just as narrow; however don’t think this guy is providing himself much advantage on the road. Velodromes are generally very smooth, require minimal amounts of steering leverage and narrow bars are appropriate for inserting oneself in crowded confines on a track. Sure he may be gaining some aero advantage on the road if he can hold that aero position but at what cost to comfort, endurance and watt conservation in a 6 hour road race.

[Look585]

Does anyone recognize this bar shape? I'd have guessed they are a Nitto product, but was unable to find any trace on the web.

A product link would be fantastic!

[cadence90]

Does anyone recognize this bar shape? I'd have guessed they are a Nitto product, but was unable to find any trace on the web.

A product link would be fantastic!
Perhaps Nitto B135AA in 390mm x 31.8mm?

If so, Ben's Cycles (https://www.benscycle.com/nitto-b135aa-ssb-randonneur-touring-handlebar/drop_handlebar_nitto_b135ssb_870/product), etc., have them listed.

http://www.santucci-cycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/B135AA-450.jpg?v=7516fd43adaa
.

[carpediemracing]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/the-narrowest-bars-in-the-pro-peloton/

Nitto, 38 c-c so maybe 39 o-o.

[dddd]

Wow, what's old is new again!

Millions of bikes were sold with those bars around the late 1970's!

I didn't quite care for the look myself, so took a ratcheting tie-down strap around both lowers and made this handlebar into a nearly normal drop bar with little effort:

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7057/6825605700_93a0e42dc1_c.jpg

[benb]

I look at the position of his wrists and wonder if he'll injure himself if he rides with his wrists cocked like that long enough.

[dddd]

It looks like a grip position that one would only use while riding solo or at the front of a paceline, so the rider presumably won't be enduring the shock of unseen road defects as when drafting other riders who obstruct the forward view of the road.
I'd have to try it to see whether it actually caused discomfort, but I am always happy to transfer some discomfort from my legs to my arms when putting in miles at my max sustainable effort.
I've done a ton of off-roading on this bike with the same sort of width and bend in it's original bars. Even lots of technical singletrak riding, a few centuries and a couple of cyclocross races. I just never got around to changing the bars, even though I have to admit that I totally disliked them at first sight! They caused me no problem however, which is why I never replaced them.
I sometimes feel like I invented the "gravel" phenomenon over those years from 2003-2009 while riding this bike, but I know better. The rack, bag and it's contents really improved climbing traction during those slippery times of the year (either wet or very dry). Yes, I broke a few rear axles.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2410/1870224077_8dd3790802.jpg