Bike Fitter RANKS Handlebars Worst to Best

[@winterwatson6437]

my current bike is a trek, and i can confirm that swapping out the cockpit for something with shorter reach and narrower width did me a load of good

[@scottf3456]

Same

[@SzX1X]

Yes! 👍 Trek got very wide handlebars with a ridiculous amount of reach on all of their bikes.

[@SlickWillyTFCF]

I just got a bike fit on Friday and found out that I need narrower handlebars and a shorter reach. Glad to hear it make such a difference.

[@yonglingng5640]

​@@SzX1X Out-of-the-box, they suit riders with longer torsos and shorter legs better. I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum.

[@b.smitty5273]

Same here, long legs and short torso and switching to less width and reach on my emonda was a big improvement

[@dcltdw]

I am very confused - this appears to be a video with bikefitjames, but without the characteristic "uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........" pauses. 🤣 Loving this new series!!

[@JayLato]

I still want a all “uhhhhhhh” video

[@derekhobbs1102]

It had them pre editing, but it would have been twice as long.

[@sventice]

James is totally right about the Trek handlebars. I have an alloy Trek bike, which I should hate but inexplicably quite like, and for about 3 years after I bought it, it was pretty horrible on rides longer than 3-4 hours. My shoulders and neck in particular were in agony at the end of these rides. Finally fed up, I swapped out the ridiculous 44cm bars with a massive reach for 40cm compact bars with a much shorter reach, and the bike was suddenly transformed into something amazingly more comfortable and surprisingly more responsive. It's virtually a totally different bike; I can now ride it all day long with no discomfort at all. It's kind of surprising how much of a difference this one change has made in the ride quality of this bicycle.

[@djc8029]

I have a Trek checkpoint ALR5 size 54 which came with a Bontrager size 42 and 93mm reach, it gave me constant neck and shoulder pain. Couple months ago watched a video from James talking about deda’s handlebars and decided to give it a try and got a deda zero100 rhm size 42 (equivalent to 40 for other brands), 75mm reach. My only regret is not having done this much earlier; 1 size smaller and the shorter reach fits me much better and allows me to be comfortable for 2+ hours. Thank you James and Cade media for sharing your knowledge.

[@2caballos]

I think you mean stem length instead of reach

[@djc8029]

@@2caballos nope, I meant handlebar reach. My trek has a 90mm stem and I don't want a shorter length, so reducing the handlebar reach was the right solution to my need.

[@TaisBjerre90]

The reason why the FSA Energy Compact size 36 measures 34 cm is because the handlebar has 4° flair and FSA measures their handlebars at the drops (the widest points on the handlebars)

[@owensnicholas]

Here’s the cool thing about the hover bar. It comes (or came) on the Roubaix. If you buy one of those, it raises the front end without a crazy stem or lots of spacers. That makes it extremely accessible for novice riders…like I was. If you stick with it, though, and gain flexibility and strength, you can swap out the handlebar, lower the dumb futureshock, and you’ve got a more more aero front end. The bike grows with you. It’s pretty neat, actually. I swapped a Deda onto mine and it’s a different bike.

[@kimdecker8901]

I now realize I've been riding with handlebars that are too large for me for all these years. That explains EVERYTHING: discomfort, numbness, why I can't reach my brakes whilst in the drops...Thank you, BikeFitJames. And the Cade Team! (Looking forward to seeing the Wild Ones again... :)

[@jc2685]

Last week switched to the Ribble level 36mm handlebar for £18 from that auction site. Went from 42mm. Aero wise saved approx 17+ watts. My Ribble endurance is a little stretched out so the shorter reach helps a lot on the drops. Hoods in, its 30mm across for more aero gains. Added Cinelli cork bar tape, so much cushion for absorbion. Feels like a new bike.

[@draggonhedd]

im fairly new to road biking and ive always had fit issues with road bikes, and i got my shoulders measured for it. Turns out I needed a set of 49cm drops for my wide shoulders and i found a set of Salsa Cowchippers and im in love with them. I love the flare, i love that it tips the hoods inwards a bit, and i love that the drops are big enough for my larger hands. Being wider is nice too.

[@scotkudron9537]

Bike Fit James is the best part of Cade Media!

[@Frostbiker]

He has his own KZbin channel now, too

[@henkdevrjes9640]

With some distance

[@markowsley4954]

Would love to hear James opinion on the new redshift top shelf handlebar. I like the idea of a taller stack without having to use a bunch of stem spacers.

[@avocette]

Cyclist here in the Philippines. Despite the extensive availability of drop handlebars for at least 15-20 USD sold by SEA online shops (Shopee, Lazada, etc.) catered for the smaller-stature Asian market, most of the bars have a minimum C-C width of 38-40cm, which is dreadful. The only bar that caters to me and my lanky 34cm shoulders is exactly the Fouriers Nanko-T dropbar, which I am pleasantly surprised to find out that you also vouch for them. Cheers!

[@fishcyclr]

Thanks for the info on the handlebars. This video is absolutely incredible. I'll be showing it to a few of my friends.

[@staticv3570]

I'd have loved to hear James' thoughts on the Coefficient RR!

[@jonathanwithecombe557]

Was going to comment about gravel bars... and there we go! Deda added to the list!

[@toddmcdonough]

The Ritchey RL1 BAQUIANO for $26.95 is a great budget bar. Reach and drop are 73mm 118mm respectively and it has a generous 12 degree flare. Bars come in 40,42,44 measured at the hood and are wider down low. For the same price with no flare and a slightly deeper 128mm drop the RL1 Curve is for you.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Built up my GRX Di2 equipped Checkpoint SL framset with a Pro Discover carbon bar. Real light, nice shape, slight flare, ergonomic top, internal routing for Di2 and hoses (rear exit port). Only issue was cost. But I do really like them.

[@Batou_73]

I love my deda gera alloy. Really unusual shape 38cm wide I have narrow shoulders even tough im 186 cm tall. And super short reach of 55mm. Feels rly good! Perfect for long days in the saddle. I changed so much on my bike because of James knowledge! Now basically pain free and happy. I will visit the store in the future and make a fit with him to choose a dropbar MTB frame to fill that craving🔥

[@Silidons91]

My tarmac sl6 came with shallow drop bars (125/70). Absolutely love them. I can't stand longer reach bars anymore! I like keeping my palm on the flat and still being able to reach the levers.

[@Judasswolf]

I use a PRO Discover gravel 12, alu version. Cheap, slightly flared, short reach, flat top, everything I like.

[@kpizzle1985]

I specifically bought my Trek bar/stem combo for the long reach, it's the best bar I've ever had and super comfortable in the aero hoods position. Just dropped my stem length by 10mn which also makes long climbs a little more comfortable as the tops are closer.

[@jerryb63]

Love riser bars, especially if you don’t have much steerer left to play with and don’t want a high rise stem but have a dodgy back. Ritchey Ergomax is like the Specialized Hover but with a flat top and fluted cable route underneath (I’m old school external routing). Have them in 3 widths on my gravellers and road bike. Control Tech have some similar ‘CLS’ variants too for less cash but not so ‘ergo’ shaped. All in alloy so not such an expensive way to try them out.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Deda Superzero Gravel Carbon is waiting to be mounted at home. 16 degrees flare, DCR compatible. Only missing out on narrower than 42 (which is 40 because Deda measures to the outside)

[@AlbertBuckinghamEllison]

This video came out literally a month after I was trawling the internet looking for a right bar for me. Wanted one that wasn't all-in-one so it could fit in my bike box and had some adjustability but also ACR compatible but not carbon or too expensive. Ended up getting a Pro VIBE and trilling holes for the hydro hoses and works a charm.

[@6SpeedsGood]

I ride Easton EC90 on both my road (SLX) and gravel (AX). I find the minimal reach and drop very comfy, and they come in 38mm, whereas so many bars don’t go very narrow. They can also integrate DI2, and have reasonable flares (4 degrees and 12 degrees I think). They are super light, but also super expensive, but also come in cheaper aluminum versions. At 5’-8” the fit just really works for me.

[@colinmassey527]

Just treated myself to the Co-efficient Racing bars and all I can say is WOW. It totally blows everything else out of the water. Would love to hear you have had a look at them

[@DoraeMew]

👍 Thumbs up for Fouriers handlebar. But my favorite of their handlebar is the HB-RA011-A6-M. This one still offer the same super narrow “32 CM” width, but with slightly longer reach (80 mm vs 75 of the HB-RA012 in this video) and offer the 15 mm rise which should help soften the bar, make 32 cm width not too stiff. 😅

[@rasmusvedel]

I’d love for James to go more into gravel. I personally ride a fairly wide bar, as it gives me more confidence on the gnarly stuff. But I do also take it on single tracks on occasion so I understand it’s not the most common use.

[@stvaldr]

I am considering the Ritchey latest Streem or Butano both have a back sweep of 5 degrees, a short reach, and drop. The Butano also has an 18-degree flare. The Comp which is the least expensive also offers a 38mm width, whereas the WCS goes down to 40mm. These are both very similar to the Deda, which James likes. I like the back sweep for comfort. In addition, Trek has a similar bar called the Aero Pro Road Handlebar.

[@johndef5075]

Just installed a Specialized Hover Flare. Very comfy and a 15mm rise for my old back😅

[@WhaJMc]

The first thing I did after getting my Specialized Roubaix was take the Hover bar off, it. Mainly for aesthetic reasons. Replaced with a FSA K-Wing AGX which IMO looks better and is very comfortable.

[@markgalanter1171]

I recently installed the Specialized Hover Bar with a 12deg. flare on the drops. I got a 40cm to replace the stock 42cm bar that came on my Canyon Endurace. I love the riser as I'm not as young and flexible as I was, and I love the added control the flared drops give me when on a curvy 70km/hr descent. The only complaint is the diameter feels small around the hoods, so the contact point hurts the pads on my hand. Re-wrapping it with an extra bit of bar tape should remedy that.

[@birkaster]

It'd be still very good to see how James deals with some usual "deformities" - I have a slightly hunched back, so if I go with a regular (means, relaxed) stem, handlebar, etc. than I am not able to see the road, my neck doesn't allow it. Maybe youj could also cover issues coming with age. It's nice to see fit 30something people beaing comfortable, but getting closer to 50 bikefit is way more important.

[@Sem84]

I'm riding the Pro Vibe Aero (Shimano) for a few months. I believe this is comparable with the DEDA Zero1. But I don't remember James ever mentioning the Pro handlebars. Don't know why.

[@mipko]

Giant have Riser handlebar with 25mm rise, short 70mm reach and ergonomic hoods for like 70 euros, I think they are very similar to the Genetic ones with I believe 5 mm more rise and 1 cm shorter reach. They have been bit tricky to get, but I get them and install them on my Tarmac sl7 and they are amazing.

[@DaigoroToyama]

I switched from the Specialized Hover bar that came with the bike to a Specialized Short-Reach bar, both 38mm, about a year ago. I feel a lot more comfortable with the Short-Reach bar despite the lower bar position. I'm a bit surprised you mentioned both handlebars in this review.

[@jeffski7454]

I tried a lot of bars and finally ended with the Deda Speciale 26. The Deda 02 is too "square" for me, the Ritchey Evo curve was better... back in the days I liked the 3T Forma SL but finally I came back to a good old round bar

[@b.smitty5273]

Followed my bikefitter's advice to go shorter and narrower and switched from the standard bontrager 44cm vr c on my trek emonda to the deda superleggera 42cm and it's so much better

[@markrskinner]

We need to see more Deda bars.

[@redkeyspoke]

I don't know, I like my anatomic bend Deda bars. Surprised he didn't mention Deda measures outside to outside, so nominal 38 to 44 is actually a bit less than 36 to 42.

[@GOdupont24]

Surprised Coefficient didn’t make the List

[@Cycle.every.day.]

Going too narrow with your bars can bring your elbows out (hence less aero) and restrict your breathing so beware of going too narrow.

[@dh7314]

I trust James on these matters. Thanks James

[@MTBScotland]

got myself a Service Course 70 Ergo.

[@TheSlurpeeMan]

Same, got one in 38 cm a year back, and it has been great. Great shape so I can easily reach the drops, and lowering the reach has made it loads more comfortable.

[@andrewblakesley4202]

And there's me absolutely loving my Surly Corner Bars

[@AwwSweet]

Totally agree with James, that flared handlebars are absolute nonsense. From any perspective.

[@JayLato]

0:40 agreed, my integrated cockpit on my 49cm Scott Foil RC is ever so slightly tilted upward.

[@sigfreed11]

Has the Cade Media team considered racing together in the upcoming 5-day team stage race on indieVelo later next month? It would make for some really fun content! 6 stages over 5 consecutive days - with GC, Mountain, and Sprint jerseys to fight for! Please consider it - I’d love to watch it and see if I can beat you guys in the standings!

[@bnzboy]

Wish this video was available 4 years ago when I started cycling before going through three different handlebars😅

[@michaelgould3475]

James should get a sponsorship deal with Paul Smith

[@flo8273]

i quite like my tune geweih. most comfortable handlebar i´ve ever ridden

[@paulschulman8131]

Best handlebars Shimano Pro vibe aero alloy and pursuit alloy. Cheap, aero, integrated.

[@bababaanarama]

Not cheap anymore :( bought it for 60, now more than 90

[@paulschulman8131]

@@bababaanarama still less than any carbon variant

[@paulawright6868]

Yay another place in bikefitjames top 10. Boom get me xx

[@andreemurray7039]

Love James no notice talk

[@WhatTheFlipOfficial]

The cannondale KNOT system is also horrendous. I had to sell a 2023 SSE Di2 because of the horrendously long reach on their integrated handlebar PLUS their huge saddle setback. A size 54 had a total reach over a size 56 Canyon Aeroad!

[@jalakere]

I got a deda zero2 to replace the fairly horrendous thing that came on enduraces 10 years ago and it was amazing. Went for a superzero on my current bike because it looks cooler and the zero2 was out of stock😅

[@anderswahl5240]

That Giant stem looked awful but their latest D-Fuse handlebar on the Defy is excellent. Nice 8 degree flair and very comfy.

[@RiseDZR]

It seems to me that riding with a very narrow handlebar might be a bit dangerous, especially for a small woman, unless you have a long stem. I personally use a 360mm handlebar, and I would probably only recommend a 340mm or narrower handlebar to a very experienced and strong woman. just IMO.

[@jasonmccullum9424]

Guys you rightly so hate the giant propel handlebar. I have the 2020 disc version and cannot find a handlebar that doesn’t look terrible due to the brake cable running internally behind the stem ( instead of in front like every other bike). Any suggested replacement stem and handlebars for the giant propel??

[@MatthewKaznowski]

Surprised James didnt mention the orbea orca aero handlebars which he has previously complained about because you have to cut the hydraulic hose if you want to test a different handlebar width - definitely a bike fitters nightmare.

[@mizanurabu-ramadan7430]

I've always wondered how a fitter views flat pedals in an ergonomics standpoint. Be that for simple commuting where they are a more sensible option, but to grand fondos with the bike already in your garage as-is?

[@leerichy6489]

Another Trek owner here that changed to Deda Zero 100 bars, forget where I heard about it......James somebody or other on some KZbin channel.....what does he know 😅. Excellent bars and not ridiculously expensive.

[@JDH-1888]

I listened to some review about handlebars from an Aussie bike fitter , can’t remember his name but he raved about Deda Zero 100 handlebars especially over more expensive ones

[@JonathanDrude]

Is there handling difference in having short stem with long handlebar VS long stem with short handlebar? (just using hoods and drops and added reach equalimg the same) Or are there other reasons to prefer one over the other?

[@mallardzoom2890]

I was wondering that, I don't see how it can. A handlebar with relatively long reach and short stem would give you a more upright (but more twitchy I guess) tops position compared to hoods which seems like a good thing (more variety in positions) to me.

[@yonglingng5640]

I saw one comment argued that long-reach handlebars make holding an on-hoods aero tuck better to hold since the extra 20 - 30 mm provides more support for the front half of the forearm. I personally prefer short-reach handlebars with long stems since I don't have to go as short as 80 mm for the stem and stems that aren't classified as short look less funny. When I was calculating my new cumulative on-bike reach for my new frameset, which is in use now, since my handlebar reach is 70 mm (will be 75 mm in performance spec), I found out I can use a 100 mm stem, a stem length I've never used before.

[@danielakerman8241]

Very surprised the Coefficient RR handlebar didn’t make it on the list as either a best or worst…

[@neilzhang1514]

How about Shimano Pro handle bars?

[@yonglingng5640]

I like the Vibe Alloy's design. The bend from the tops to the drops starts earlier than the average drop handlebar's, giving your wrists more room for when you rock the bike in the drops.

[@marshallemmett3313]

Apologies if it's been asked and answered previously, but how does James feel about the Redshift riser drop bars?

[@Axiscracker]

It seems Specialized has discontinued the short reach bar. Do you know if there will be a replacement for the Specialized short reach handlebar anytime soon?

[@W8tNbLEed86]

I have my stock trek handlebars which I now can tell are too long for my shoulders which I believe I’m at 38cm but the handlebars read 42-43cm. Never had a proper bike fit but I need one lol

[@5amba]

Can you recommend a carbon bar with a rise?

[@ask4janice]

Does the hover bar affect the handling of the bike? I found that inverting the stem changes the feel of the front end.

[@csoffline7820]

I will be fitting the Deda Superzero DCR on my GIANT TCR Advance. All I need is to find the right buyer for my left kidney.

[@yngverog]

Any thoughts on the Coefficient RR bars? Other than looking like a spaceship and probably being a pain in the a**e to route cables through?

[@Kyjervanoek]

Hi guys! I wonder what do you think about Ritchey Comp Corralitos? I think this is the bar with shortest reach on the market. I wanted to buy it, because my bike is too long. I'm looking for some opinions about Corralitos.

[@jodok_]

Maybe do another one on aero bars?

[@YSLHomestay]

Did you try the coefficient handlebar?

[@TheBridgee100]

I know you are not a fan of the flare handlebars; however I purchased the Ritchey Beacon for my gravel bike. 0ne of the smallest drop and reach in the market , nice large flare and extended drop bars. Also has a 5 degree backward sweep. It transformed the feel of the bike. Absolutely comfortable and provided me the confidence to ride the drops through trickier descents. Can ride all day in comfort on them. Bars are a personal preference. Find a comfortable bar which suits you and happy cycling!

[@jkk916]

No representation of classical bends? Deda shallow is still the best shape I have ever tried. I only wish I would be able to get narrower version. Now you can get Vinci shallow carbon fiber aero handlebar with 40 cm width outside-to-outside and presumably same bend, but it is expensive. I am pretty sure it goes on my next bicycle though. Why do I like that handlebar so much? It seems it fixes my body in place better, I can assume very aggressive position on bicycle with zero back tightens with them. I need to substantially reduce reach and drop with ordinary handlebars. They are a slightly less comfortable for hands but it is not that important to me.

[@ДмитрийЧапыгин-к9ч]

I respect James’ opinion a lot, but it’s a pity that he didn’t give his opinion about Redshift new handlebars..

[@carl90210]

Has to be flat tops for me. Not for any aero benefit - just feels better to hold.

[@davidmurphy9151]

Does Ritchey even make that bar anymore? Try the Ergomax.

[@tom6493]

7:16 that’s what drills were invented for…

[@paulaus]

The Deda bars seem to be sold out everywhere.

[@Trancefreakeh]

Question though: Not very willing to get a Passport and travel to London to get a bikefit with James, I'm looking for one in Ghent, Belgium. What are the hallmarks of a good bike fitters? It's pretty expensive to just try them and find out later they use completely outdated techniques or something. Same with bike mechanics, really.

[@DurianriderCyclingTips]

But if I take off my one piece overpriced bars and put on something proper for performance ie bike fit then I might lose respect from the Dunning Kruger Disctards on social media? :(

[@cornpowder4425]

this guy should try the corralitos

[@antonpeterson1245]

I can confirm that the Bontrager handlebar is awful. 100mm reach. So long that my wrists would hit the bars when in the drops sprinting.

[@yonglingng5640]

Check out the PRO Vibe Alloy handlebars. Reach is 80 mm (mid-length reach) and the bend from the tops to the drops are positioned further inwards compared to the average drop handlebar's, then the radius tightens till it makes a 90° turn to the drops. This provides more room for the wrists when you throw it down for an attack or sprint.

[@antonpeterson1245]

@yonglingng5640 Thank you for the advice. Fortunately, I kept my old handlebars and used them instead.

[@willardSpirit]

What no Redshift?!

[@ridegreen78]

So the ranking is more worst to niche instead of best

[@kornenator]

Somehow this ultra-narrow handlebar thing feels like to me as if in a decade or so we'd be reverting to slightly wider bars, because some research find that they aren't all that great after all

[@bababaanarama]

@@kornenator 34 /36 is narrow for man but like he said, not for women. I think more that 38/40 will be standard for man, not 40/42.

[@vromaka]

Tigerhorse!

[@Tyler_Cresswell]

Thanks, now I understand a bit more about this topic 🌷

[@andrewlabat9963]

Not another one of these videos. You can't have the best to the worst with only a few of anything, especially selected for the particular video. Anyone believing this nonsense doesn't know..

[@DevilsWar]

My first ever bike build will be finished this week, 41 years old and refuse point black to pay the prices shops want for a bike, so decided to build my own, now thinking I might need to change my bars 🤣🤣

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Good luck ❤

[@DevilsWar]

@@TBATTIECYCLING thanx

[@fookie-fone]

Mmmmmm…….MOOTS.

[@DDai-qd8uk]

When are you doing The Woke Ones podcast again?

[@NuttyV2]

bike fitting contents are too repetitive.

[@zedddddful]

Yep it's basically like watching a tape measure review products yawn.

[@Mikadobiscuits]

Jeez, you guys are really scraping the bottom of the barrel for ideas

[@Ashbridg3s]

What are Cade media’s/bikefitjames thoughts on the enve aero in-route handlebar. Has some flare outs and can get super narrow also.

[@NicoleBurns-l4s4s]

Your videos are a treat for the eyes and mind! The quality is top notch and the presentation of information is professional. Thank you so much!🥕🥏🐂