Stem and Dropbar recommendations

[NicDiesel]

After yesterday’s AF ride I’ve decided to upgrade from my current 26 drop bars to a 31.8. Anyone have any recommendations on drop bars for a larger rider (think strong, not concerned with weight) and a 130mm stem? Again, weight isn’t a concern, I just need them both to be really strong and reliable.

Topic

[Amalitza]

I do not have recommendations. I do, however, have some handlebars.

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?2584-Handlebars-10-or-trade

Never mind the $10. I started off with 17 or 18 of them and sold enough to make back what I spent on the box, which was all I wanted. Take one, take all four, just come get them out of my house and they’re yours. (and if 4st7lb doesn’t want them, anyone else who does is welcome to the same deal).

[DaveK]

You should also think about fit if you’re changing your bars anyway. I’m a big fan of compact-drop bars and run FSA Wing Pro Compact on both of my drop-bar bikes. It has a short reach and shallow drop with makes it good for short-fingered persons of dubious flexibility like myself. I also like the flat top for comfort. As for stems, I don’t know if there exists a stem more rigid than a Thomson. 130mm is a long reach, have you been fitted to get that number?

[NicDiesel]

@acl 54682 wrote:

I do not have recommendations. I do, however, have some handlebars.

Thanks! If any of those are 44s let me know and I’ll stop by and pick one up from you.

@DaveK 54684 wrote:

As for stems, I don’t know if there exists a stem more rigid than a Thomson. 130mm is a long reach, have you been fitted to get that number?

When I went up to the larger frame I tried out 90, 100, 120, and 130 stems and found the 130 to be the most comfortable. I was leaning towards a Thomson so I’ll take your recommendation as a final endorsement!

[hozn]

Yeah, bars are a little like saddle when it comes to personal preference. I really like the Ritchey WCS Logic II bars; they are relatively light, though, so I don’t know if that would make them a bad choice. http://www.ritcheylogic.com/dyn_prodfamily.php?k=355356 (You can typically find them for much less than MSRP.)

I typically just stick with what I know to like, but for my next bars I may experiment and get something a little rounder. I’ve heard/read positive things about 3T rotundo. (E.g. http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-components/2013-3t-rotundo-pro-handlebar-4888.28.1.html) That may be a good choice too.

I have always use Ritchey WCS stems, but have heard good things about Thomson. I love their seatposts.

[Amalitza]

@4st7lbs 54691 wrote:

Thanks! If any of those are 44s let me know and I’ll stop by and pick one up from you.

Sorry, 40cm and 42cm only.

[pikebike]

I just put Salsa Cowbell 2 bars on one of my bikes and love them. They flare out slightly so they give a few different hand positions. I also love the compactness of them. And they’re only $45.

[txgoonie]

@hozn 54694 wrote:

Yeah, bars are a little like saddle when it comes to personal preference.

I think this is kinda what it comes down to with bars. There are so many options, so many shapes that I honestly think the best thing to do is shop around and actually put something in your hands. I still haven’t found anything I’m 100% sold on (that I can afford). I learned the hard way that I like compact drops, but I hate the kind that flare. I was also measured to have a 38cm bar, but that feels too narrow to me. (Anybody want a Ritchey Comp Curve 38cm?

[NicDiesel]

Took the plunge and upgrade my stem and dropbars last night to a Ritchey Comp Curve and WCS 4. While I haven’t taken a long ride to get everything situation just right, the new dropbars are serious improvement over the stock ones I was using from my old Cross Check. I put Fizik bar gels and tape on it and, based on my 10 minute commute to work, I think I’ve found my new set up. Check it out.[ATTACH=CONFIG]3100[/ATTACH]

[NicDiesel]

Took the plunge and upgrade my stem and dropbars last night to a Ritchey Comp Curve and WCS 4. While I haven’t taken a long ride to get everything situation just right, the new dropbars are serious improvement over the stock ones I was using from my old Cross Check. I put Fizik bar gels and tape on it and, based on my 10 minute commute to work, I think I’ve found my new set up. Check it out.[ATTACH=CONFIG]3101[/ATTACH]

[bluerider]

Another recommendation for the Thomson X4 stem.

[Author]

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