Handlebar width?

Finally getting my cockpit area sorted (get any unfunny jokes out of your system now please) and am wondering about bar width.

I'm just over 60cm broad, so assuming pretty wide.

I'm getting some relatively compact or even ergo bars that I want to be able to use the drops on about 50% of the time.

44cm... 46cm c-c?

A lot depends on preferences among other things. But a good start is to measure your shoulder blade width (not total shoulder width like outside of one arm to another).

Your uses also have an effect. The narrower the more aero you will be, but then your breathing might be affected and it might not be as comfortable. Off road or in the city you might want it a little wider. You've kinda got to try it.

Also different manufacturers and shops measure bars differently. And different shapes have an effect.

This is also worth a browse: http://ruedatropical.com/2009/03/road-drop-bar-geometry/

http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/12/28/tech-how-to-choose-the-correct-road-bike-handlebar-size-shape/

Cheers for that Hugo, had already seen the top link and found it very useful, and decided as a result to go for short and shallow "compact" bars, as I want to be able to use the drops a lot more, but without raising the tops of the bars, but was still wondering on width.

Measuring your own shoulder blades is hard! :P

Current bars are 42cm c-c, so think I'll go for 44cm c-c and see how that feels with new bar shape.

Cheers.

get someone to hold a measuring tape up to you, measure twice, buy once

I'd just go for which feel more comfortable.

some people feel very comfortable with 42cm, other of the same build went for 46cm, it's very much a personal preference.

^ Problem is you'll never know till you buy them.

James is right. But if you can't find anyone go for 44cm as they'll be easier to sell. And will give you a good middle point to work from.

Also go for cheap or ideally second hand ones. If you're in London BLB has plenty of old bars that are cheap that you can try. Other wise ebay.

...and if you're going new. FSA have some pretty cheap compacts.

Was looking at FSA Omega bars, so not too much of a problem as is cheaps.

Am waiting on new 120mm stem first though, as making any decisions before I get cockpit length right is just plain dumb, but then I can see how the 42cm c-c bars I have now feel.

If it feels right width, I'll probably get the FSAs in 42cm c-c instead, but as FSA only do them in 40-44cm width options, I can't haz 46cm. :(

If you're going short and shallow you may want to consider also the reach of the bars before spending on an expensive stem ..

I'm fairly broad in the shoulder - well 46" chest but prefer 38 - 40 cm bars. Wider just feels odd.

If you're going short and shallow you may want to consider also the reach of the bars before spending on an expensive stem ..

The bars I'm looking at getting are about the same reach as the ones I've got, just not so deep.

I'm fairly broad in the shoulder - well 46" chest but prefer 38 - 40 cm bars. Wider just feels odd.

My problem is I have asthma, so anything that reduces my chest expansion is bad! It's the reason I want to find a good position on the drops, so I can start endurance training with long distance and sudden sprints to build my stamina and lung capacity/efficiency. You'd think with a 49" chest I'd be alright!

I have recently got some 46cm Salsa Bell Lap for my touring/ long distance bike and find them give me les back/ shoulder ache than the 44cm bars on my 'cross bike.

If you get some Salsa Woodchippers or Cowbells and dont like them I would happily take them off your hands for a bargain price!

Lol! Er... no. O_O