handlebars...good vs bad?

I just changed to a similar-looking carbon bar made by ITM on one of my bikes. Since I bought it while traveling overseas, in choosing it, I realized I didn't know some key things about my current bars - mainly the diameter to fit the current stem and the width. I guessed at the right diameter, but the width turned out slightly wider than what I had before (by 2 cm). I can not tell the difference when riding, though.

The biggest difference I can tell with another bike I have is the way the brake levers fit the bars. On one bike, I have Nitto bars and Shimano Ultegra brake/shift levers. The bars were apparently made to match the levers such that you maintain a flat ridge as you run along the top of the bar from the stem over to the top of the brake hoods. The bars are actually marked to indicate where the levers should be fixed. For the ITM bars, my brakes/shifters are Campy Record, and I do not get this kind of flat region. With where I have set the levers, the bar curves down a ways before reaching the hoods. The feel when riding with your hands on the hoods is different. I like both, but, if I had to choose one, I probably prefer the Nitto/Shimano combo.

Otherwise, riding in the drops feels about the same. Having the right stem length/height is probably the biggest factor.

Ritchey web page said that WCS = World Championship Series.

bianchi10 said:

I am looking at "Ritchey WCS Logic II Road handlebars".
what does the WCS stand for?
Is this an ok model?
Anything I should know about choosing a set of handlebars?

If they suit you ergonomically, Ritchey bars are great bars, as good as anything else.

bianchi10 said:

I am still new to learning about brands and what to look for in my personal preferences. I am looking into some new handle bars because I like the ergonomic design on the down drops as apposed to mine just being your classic round down drop. I dont have the money to buy expensive bars but dont want to get something that is going to be bottom shelf either. From what I can gather it seems handle bar choice is just as personal as choosing a saddle so I know I cant ask the all to familiar question, "which one should I get?". The only thing I know about handlebars is that when you are in the down drops you down want your wrists hitting/rubbing the top bar.

I am looking at "Ritchey WCS Logic II Road handlebars".
what does the WCS stand for?
Is this an ok model?
Anything I should know about choosing a set of handlebars?

This is the set I am looking at:

Carbon? They are lighter but do nothing else. Really expensive tho.

bianchi10 said:

I am still new to learning about brands and what to look for in my personal preferences. I am looking into some new handle bars because I like the ergonomic design on the down drops as apposed to mine just being your classic round down drop. I dont have the money to buy expensive bars but dont want to get something that is going to be bottom shelf either. From what I can gather it seems handle bar choice is just as personal as choosing a saddle so I know I cant ask the all to familiar question, "which one should I get?". The only thing I know about handlebars is that when you are in the down drops you down want your wrists hitting/rubbing the top bar.

...

Anything I should know about choosing a set of handlebars?

Ergonomic bars are definitely great for some people ...

You have probably noticed that there are a lot of different bends ...

Consequently, what you may want to do is to set your current handlebars so that the drops are angled at the angle on the ergonomic part of the bars you are considering (yes, you should probably adjust/change the position of your shifters if you are taking more than one test ride in each handlebar position) ...

Then, determine which angle is the most comfortable for you, and then choose the appropriate handlebar BECAUSE you may be surprised how uncomfortable the angle of the drops on some ergonomic bars can be if it isn't an angle that works for you.

Something you need to know is that there is no consistency in how wide the handelbar is where you would attach the brake levers -- on a 42cm handlebar (for example) from one make the handlebar may be only 40cm wide while on another it may be 42cm ... the only way to know is to measure the actual handlebar(s).

I noticed the bars were different measurements even though they said 42. WHAT THE [censored]!?? why even put a measurement on it then? that to me is like going to buy some jeans and picking up a 34x32 and the lady saying...we will need to measure those because they could be a 38x34...😕

bianchi10 said:

I noticed the bars were different measurements even though they said 42. WHAT THE [censored]!?? why even put a measurement on it then? that to me is like going to buy some jeans and picking up a 34x32 and the lady saying...we will need to measure those because they could be a 38x34...😕

All it takes is checking the manufacturer website to see how they measure. It's easy.

I've grown very partial to my "compact" bars (as seen on this bike). I went for the FSA SL-K carbon, but there are less-expensive aluminum versions.

I spend more time in the drops now with less discomfort.