Soliciting bar preferences

[cgolvin]

That's handlebars, not taverns.

I realize that handlebars are nearly as personal a taste as saddles, but thought I'd get some feedback here as I am considering replacing the compact FSA bars on my Peg.

My inclination is to go with Deda RHM -- I have a set on my Ottrott and I like the feel at every hand position (they are not as compact a bend as these FSAs and provide better control in the drops).

Alternatives I'm considering are Thomson (carbon) and Zipp Service Course SL (side benefit: uniform cockpit), also open to suggestion on alternatives. I don't like ergo bend, and recesses for cabling would be nice but not a necessity.

Let me know if that's not enough information to go on; thanks.

[Blue Jays]

My preference is for matching the same manufacturer for bar and stem.
For best tolerances, reduced opportunity for creaking noise, and appearance.
In your case, my purchase would be Zipp since you seemingly have Zipp stem.

[OtayBW]

My favorite is the Modolo Curvissima, but alas, it is no longer made. :butt:
I also like the Enve compact....

[mistermo]

I had a set of gravel bars and was surprised how much I like the flare, but not too much. 12 degrees is perfect. Also, I like the the drops are extended out so that there's plenty of real estate to get hands low. My new favorite bar. It's very similar to the Specialized Alloy Hover bars with a flare. I have those as well.

[AngryScientist]

I use a variety of bars, but one of my favorites, which is close to the reach/drop of the Dedas is the Fizil line of bars, the "bull" specifically.

incidentally, lately fizik stems are some of the nicest i've used.

https://cdn.fizik.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1ddf2da3ff9b5d56246dbce6e448bb14/c/y/cyrano-handlebar-r3-bull.jpg

[FlashUNC]

Deda 35s. Just a killer bar.

[cgolvin]

Deda 35s. Just a killer bar.

Yeah, I was very tempted by these but the thought of having to buy another computer mount made it a no-go. And in this case that means also buying a new stem.

[marciero]

Rene Herse Maes Parallel are the bars that completely disappear for me. I also have noodles on a couple of bikes.

[m_sasso]

My favourite bars are Nitto, size, price and performance tough to beat.

[Spoker]

Changed some of my bikes to 46 cm C-C and am surprised how much I like the wider bars.

[kingpin75s]

I had a set of gravel bars and was surprised how much I like the flare, but not too much. 12 degrees is perfect. Also, I like the the drops are extended out so that there's plenty of real estate to get hands low. My new favorite bar. It's very similar to the Specialized Alloy Hover bars with a flare. I have those as well.

^This

I have some version of Salsa Cowbells on just about every road and gravel bike I have. 12 degrees of flare is perfect with a short and shallow bar.

Now that they come in carbon I even replaced my 3T Stealth carbon Ergonova bars as the 6 degrees of flare just did not feel nearly as natural for me as the 12 degrees on the Cowbells.

A lot more choices these days in short, shallow and flared but the Cowbells are great.

[gavingould]

i'm partial to Thomson KFC bars due to the full 31.8 size all the way to the hoods before they taper thinner.

[skiezo]

I have two bikes that are fitted with Pro vibe bars and I really like the way that the campy levers fit.
The other two are Zipp S n S carbons and these are just a nice.

[mtechnica]

I’ve tried a lot of bars and I can’t stand anything but traditional round bend bars. 3T and PRO make some that I use.

[Toddtwenty2]

I have been thoroughly enjoying the Fizik Cyrano Chameleon bars lately. I was also riding FSA's before this. I find both to have very comfortable hand positions, but have been enjoying a little bit more reach and drop.

[gngroup]

Shimano Pro Vibe compact
Deda Zero100 RHM
Enve Compact
Shimano Pro Vibe Gravel 12 degree flare

[Blue Jays]

Forgot to add I have been extremely pleased with the Ritchey one-piece bar/stem.
Great fit and since it is a single piece, it is firm, stout, rigid, and totally quiet.

[mhespenheide]

Bontrager doesn't get a lot of love on the Paceline, but I happened to pick up a pair of these and (after decades on drops with flattened or "ergo" sections) I'm digging the fully-rounded drops:

https://trek.scene7.com/is/image/TrekBicycleProducts/14838_A_1_Bontrager_Elite_Iso_Zone_VR_SF_Handlebar ?$responsive-pjpg$&wid=1440&hei=1080

[PacNW2Ford]

Similar preferences here:
Several Deda Zero 100’s
A couple Fi’zi:k Bulls
a Nitto Noodle
A Shimano PRO Vibe Round - a discontinued favorite
A Shimano PRO Gravel 12*

[BdaGhisallo]

I too never liked ergo bars and stuck with traditional round drop bars until last year when I discovered the Easton bars with their MCD shape. They are fantastic.

You get the benefits of modern bars on the tops with a flat ramp to the hoods along with a drop shape that is closer to traditional bars than most ergo bars in that the area you grip is more horizontal than it is vertical, as I find many ergo bar drops are.

EC70 SL or EC90 SLX variants will get you the MCD shape.

The diagram is for the Aero versions of the MCD shape but the normal round topped bars have the same shape in the drops and the same overall dimensions.

[Nomadmax]

My favourite bars are Nitto, size, price and performance tough to beat.

I also like the Nitto M151 as well as Soma Highway One.

[Vientomas]

+1 on the Easton aero bars.

[soulspinner]

Remember whatever you do that bar reach varies more than you might think so check each to arrive at the ideal reach for you.

[Robot870]

I love my Enve aero 44mm - 44 is more like a 42 on these. Plus being able to rest my palms on flat section nice. Had them for years at this point and zero issues....... Really like how the hoods flank out as well...

[madsciencenow]

Remember whatever you do that bar reach varies more than you might think so check each to arrive at the ideal reach for you.



Curious what you mean here? Are you saying reach varies more than the actual values stated by the manufacturer or making a general statement that there is variability between bars?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cgolvin]

Thanks all.

I'm intrigued by the positive comments on adding a bit of flair, may give the Salsa Cowbells a try since they're a relatively low cost option, though I wonder if they'll look slightly out of place on a Peg.

Re: Thomson -- does the "road round" model also carry the 31.8 diameter out to the bends like the KFC model? The pictures I find indicate that they do.

[teleguy57]

Deda 35s. Just a killer bar.

i'm partial to Thomson KFC bars due to the full 31.8 size all the way to the hoods before they taper thinner.

...Re: Thomson -- does the "road round" model also carry the 31.8 diameter out to the bends like the KFC model? The pictures I find indicate that they do.

Big fan of the Deda 35s. I had the Zero100s with the same RHM shape and these are just better overall. Love the size and the stiffness works well for me without being harsh.

I had the Thomson KFCs and the 31.8 all the way out, plus the radius on the top-to-hood curve was really nice. I find the Trentacinque to be just that much better. You'd like going from 78.5 to 75.0mm reach would be that noticable but it is, as is the reduction in drop from 134 on the KFCs to 130 on the Deda is as well (the Road drop is 137 so even more noticeable.

Had a set of the Thomson roads too; I think they were 31.8 to the hoods, but because they have a more egg-shape top they didn't feel quite the same.

Personally changing to 35mm computer mounts was a small price for a positive change in bar feel and comfort.

[YesNdeed]

That's handlebars, not taverns.

Ha! I admit, handlebars were my second thought. And yes, only saddles are more time and resource intensive to get right, ATMO.

For a frame as special as a Peg, I would definitely recommend giving Deda, as mentioned, and 3T some consideration. I have no experience with Fizik and Enve bars, but I would also throw those into the mix. FSA bars didn't appeal to me, but maybe they work for you.

I rode my Zipp Ergo Bend SLC2 bars I got on closeout from Excel for years and never really thought about what might be better. Great bars, but after switching to a Deda Zero bar/stem combo, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall feel and stiffness improvement. Partly because Zipp short and shallow versions work much better for me and my current build on my race bike.

Trying them is a pain, but riding them for a day without bar tape can make the process go faster. After an initial impression and you think they're contenders, throw any tape on and give them a thorough test. This is what I would do, anyway. And only if I'm not in any big hurry to dial in a Peg.

[Hellgate]

Deda RHM, it's hard to beat.

[kiwisimon]

Deda 35s. Just a killer bar.

Same but am going back to Deda Super Zero for my next bike. The 35mm stem and bars are brilliant but sometimes a thinner stem just looks better. Plus my 35mm stem faded out to bleach red pretty quick.

[CAAD]

Running Easton bars on my 3 drop bar bikes. I really like the level hood to bar transition. Also the short reach and drop is super comfortable, MCD shape.

[MagicHour]

Another Deda RHM fan - (RHM02).

[teleguy57]

Same but am going back to Deda Super Zero for my next bike. The 35mm stem and bars are brilliant but sometimes a thinner stem just looks better. Plus my 35mm stem faded out to bleach red pretty quick.

I think it depends on the bike's tubing. The slightly beefier Deda Trentacinque stem is a better look for me than the Zero100 that preceded it. Mine is matte black so I'm thinking the color should stay consistent over time; sorry to hear yours faded. (shameless excuse to show my Alliance again:)[more photos in this thread] (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=233087&page=4))

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48543678587_c97b683caa_b.jpg

[Vientomas]

I saw the spud on tour too!

[cash05458]

always loved the deda 215's...just good stuff and for me at least, feel perfect on all my bikes...but it's preference of course...

[kiwisimon]

I think it depends on the bike's tubing. The slightly beefier Deda Trentacinque stem is a better look for me than the Zero100 that preceded it.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48543678587_c97b683caa_b.jpg

Yep that is a great combination there. My new bike will have thinner tubes versus the thick plastic ones I have now.

[ernmony]

That's handlebars, not taverns.

I realize that handlebars are nearly as personal a taste as saddles, but thought I'd get some feedback here as I am considering replacing the compact FSA bars on my Peg.

My inclination is to go with Deda RHM -- I have a set on my Ottrott and I like the feel at every hand position (they are not as compact a bend as these FSAs and provide better control in the drops).

Alternatives I'm considering are Thomson (carbon) and Zipp Service Course SL (side benefit: uniform cockpit), also open to suggestion on alternatives. I don't like ergo bend, and recesses for cabling would be nice but not a necessity.

Let me know if that's not enough information to go on; thanks.

Whatever you choose stick with Italian!

[teleguy57]

I saw the spud on tour too!

Coeur D'Alene? Heck, that's not on tour, that's almost meandering around home town!:banana:

[Vientomas]

Coeur D'Alene? Heck, that's not on tour, that's almost meandering around home town!:banana:

Kinda...the spuds are primarily grown in the southern part of the State. :)