What bars do I want?

[JLP]

Hey, I'm putting together a coupled bike for long brevets. It will have a threadless fork. I'm more familiar with my options for quill stems.

I have some Syntace carbon bars on another bike that I love, but I'm thinking aluminum for this bike. What I like about the syntace bars is the sweep back flat bit at the top and the flat ramps to the hoods.

Who makes that in aluminum? I prefer conventional round drops, but I don't care as much as I want the comfortable tops.

Ideas are appreciated. Joe

[bfd]

I'm in the same boat. I recommend taking a look at the following:

Nitto "noodle" bar - I have these on my commuter, nice bars, not light:
http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/nitto-noodle-bar/16-113

*New* Ritchey WCS "Classic curve" silver bars - latest thing out from Ritchey, don't know what they weigh, but probably lighter than the noodle:

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prodfamily.php?k=394053

[spartacus]

Nitto bars - I can't imagine being comfortable on bars with tops shaped this way. I would want the tops to curve forward and not backward, but that's just me. :beer:

[aoe]

yes, can someone explain why a bar curved backward is more comfy? it seems like it'd put your wrists at an unnatural/uncomfortable position.

[bfd]

The noodle bars "sweep back" to bring the bars closer to you. In effect, you are not stretching out as far to reach them and thus, for many, makes it more comfortable. I too was a skeptic at first, but once I tried them, I like them. Of course, I like higher bars, no not the Riv's "puppy dog begging high," but higher than I use to like them. I guess its old age....Good Luck!

[eddief]

FSA Omega round. My LBS had a few compact bars in stock. These seemed the closest to my latest beloved, no longer available, Bontrager Flat Tops. I had avoided going to 31.8 stems, but will do that for these new FSA Omega's.

This Competitive Cyclist youtube review really got me to want to check em out. The slight outward flare of the drops might be a differentiating factor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EWM0KTdCOY

Maybe cheap and good, a good combo.

[BCS]

If you like the syntace bars use them. Unless it is about color, the aluminum vs. carbon bar argument is tired. Stick with a shape that fits your hands. The noodles are deep with a long reach.