Handlebar replacement

[FatPossum]

Hello all,

I am about to replace my handlebars. The new ones are abour a cenemeter longer than the old ones on each end. Does this matter and should I cut them to be the same as the old?

Thanks for your advice,

FatPossum

[Pain Freak]

What kind of bars? I'd leave them alone, unless they were way out.

[roadkillross]

its all personal preference. i would give them a try before cutting them. just to see. i like mine a bit wider than most so maybe trying a new width with a new bar wouldnt be a bad use of time. and if it feels funky, then chop em

[art23rockpile]

It depends on what you're used to and whether the extra bar width will be comfortable for you. I went from 22" wide bars on a HT to 27" wide on my FS. At first it felt awkward, but now I appreciate the extra width. Easier to leave 'em full width for awhile and cut-down later, than to reduce the width and decide later that wider may be better.
Just my 2 cents worth.

[FatPossum]

the bars are race face bars and they are replacing some bent botrager's. just a tad longer, but i wanted some opinions - thank you all. i think i will leave them at first and try to get used to them - if I can even tell the difference that is.

[el_d00der1n0]

MBA has an article on it in (I think) the current one. It's the one I got from Sea Otter. I used a pipe cutter on my EA70's (Al of course).

[RS VR6]

My bars are cut to 26.5. I like the bars a bit wider for sketchy terrain...

I narrowed my grip by moving my levers/shifters in a bit...so I have to grip farther in.

[onegymrat]

I vote for giving them a try...maybe two or three rides with them first. One centimeter is awfully small to considering trimming.

Which Race Face? I just got the new designed 2008 Deus XC low riser in 31.8 and it came as a 660mm, INSTEAD of the 635mm that is listed. I've had two of these previously and love the 635mm width, but now it's a full inch longer. I'm sending it back.

[wgb]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

MBA has an article on it in (I think) the current one. It's the one I got from Sea Otter. I used a pipe cutter on my EA70's (Al of course).

You are correct about the current MBA article and handlebars.

I used a pipe cutter as well, at the suggestion of my LBS mechanic, when I replaced my handle bar. Whatever you do, when you do cut the bars make sure that you measure, measure, measure, measure, and measure again.

[JOx2]

in short, measure twice, cut once.
after a few rides, you're going to like that extra length.

[bobzrag]

I'm a taller guy with a bigger wing span - so I really like the wider bars, but like others have suggested, it's easier to try them first then cut them if you don't like the extra width, than to cut first

[Shu]

It's all personal preference and style of riding....

StevieB likes his bars this wide


I'm looking at changing mine from 26" to 27"-28"....the 30" bars on StevieB's bike are a bit wide for my liking but he LOVES them....

If you happen to cut them and you cut them tooo short PM me your address and I'll ship you my Bar Stretcher....