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Handlebar geometry and shapes have changed so much over the last 30 years. From the traditional drop bar that we think downtube shifters to the ergonomically shaped handlebars to today’s short and shallow reach bars, we have seen a lot. Of course, each of these has its place and purpose, but for this article, we will look at current generation brakes and shifters and what we, at Bike Fit Box have found to be some of the most comfortable handlebar features for road and gravel cyclists.

1. Tops – The top of a handlebar may seem silly to discuss, but it’s where they may be. If you climb a lot, you want something comfortable to hold, such as a round bar or semi-aero road bar. Are you the type that rides in the “Super Tuck”? Then a flatter bar will provide you more comfort and more surface area to increase friction on the bar to reduce the risk of slipping. 
2. Curve – The curve of the handlebar drop is critical. We recommend a handlebar with a Variable Radius. This means that the radius begins fairly tight and gradually increases the closer you get to the handlebar drop. This shaping allows you to fit in the tighter portion of the curve comfortably and provides easier access to shifters and brakes. 
3. Drops – We have saved this for last because many of you may not spend much time in the drops. So, for those of you that do, we are a big fan of not only a handlebar that has a shallow drop but also provides a sufficient amount of bar to grasp when the radius opens up at the base. Another factor we are a fan of is a slight flare to the drops. This flare increases clearance to the tops of the bars and can be nice when out of the saddle sprinting.

So, if you are looking for a bar that meets all of these features, we have a few that we have found and fallen in love with, and for consideration of individual budgets, we have several price points! 

ENVE COMPOSITES SES AR Handlebar

Pros:

• Comfortable on tops for climbing
• Slight aerodynamic shaping
• Flared drops that provide comfort and added clearance
• The bar plug makes for a very clean looking bar wrap

Cons:

• Price
• The curve from the tops into the hoods is abrupt

ZIPP SL-70 Aero Handlebar

Pros:

• Very comfortable drop radius
• Drops extend well past tops of bars
• Drop width is wider than radius of tops

Cons:

• Large aero shape of tops can be uncomfortable if you spend significant time there
• Handlebar naming is too similar across line and makes it confusing

Bontrager Elite VR-C Road Handlebar

Pros:

• Price
• Very comfortable drop radius
• If you like this bar but want carbon the “VR-C” nomenclature gives the same shape

Cons:

• Drops do not extend as long as we would like
• Drops are not flared

Our goal with this series is not to make you believe what we believe but to think more critically about your bike fit and provide you with many facts about Leg Length Discrepancy. If you missed Part 1, we recommend you go back and read it too.

We must factor in the pertinent details when we discuss Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD). When we say, “I have a leg length discrepancy.” Knowing the root of that is essential, and there are two common sources. Muscular or Structural.

Muscular leg length discrepancies are often caused by tightness and imbalances that often appear as a leg length discrepancy. These can be displayed by things such as pelvic rotation or arch variability. These variables can often be resolved with physiotherapy or a focused effort via modalities such as massage, stretching, or trigger point. If you know us, you know that we are big proponents of solving the problem vs. putting a Bandaid on it.

Structural variabilities are less likely to be fixed unless other methods like surgery exist. As fit specialists, we must first factor in the location of a leg length discrepancy. Whether the LLD stems from the pelvis, femur, cartilage, tibia, foot, or ankle makes a difference in the possible resolution. 

Remembering, ultimately, that the end all be all answer is not to “shim it.”

If you are uncertain of what you should do and need help? BOOK a bike fit today and let one of our Fit Specialists help you!

Our goal with this series is not to make you believe what we believe but to think more critically about your bike fit and provide you with many facts about Leg Length Discrepancy.

Over the past 15 years of performing professional bicycle fits we have had numerous cyclists visit us and inform us that they have a leg length discrepancy (LLD). There is a great deal of controversy around this topic as some people are proponents of compensating for this variability in leg length and others who are opposed to it. We do not feel there is one “right” answer as to whether you should shim but in this multi article break down we will provide you with the facts and information that we currently have and let you make your decision as to what you think and how your bike fit may or may not be impacted by your leg length discrepancy.

The first place to begin is with the diagnosis of this LLD. Whether you had a fit specialist, massage therapist, chiropractor, physical therapist, general practitioner, or an orthopedist tell you this can make a significant difference in the way your assessment occurred and what that information means for your fitment. Ultimately, the most important part is not who the diagnosis came from, but how the diagnosis was attained. There are three common forms of measurements that we will analyze including visual assessment, physical measurement and x-ray

Visual assessment is often performed on a massage table or similar surface. In this assessment the evaluator will usually manually manipulate the athlete to square their body on the table. This assessment is a visual comparison of foot and heel placement relative to a fixed landmark. Out of the three forms of assessment this has the greatest level of inaccuracy as it is an estimation of a brief visual overview.

Physical assessment is the measurement of the length of the bones based on commonly known physical landmarks of the bones. This assessment provides more well-defined detail than the visual assessment but can frequently exclude the individual’s asymmetry in bodily landmarks, not to mention the variability in assessor’s accuracy.

X-Ray is by far the most accurate method for measuring a structural leg length discrepancy. This method provides the clearest view of an individual’s skeletal structure but can still have slight inaccuracy dependent upon the athlete’s position on the table and variability in cartilage when seated vs standing.

In coming articles we will go into greater detail of the potential reasons for a LLD and considerations that need to be taken in order to make the most accurate decision for your personal riding style and potential physical limitations.

Read more about Leg Length Discrepancies in Part 2 or BOOK your fitting today!

It may sound silly but one of the greatest starting points in selecting a saddle is to find the proper bicycle saddle width.

YEP! You measure your BUTT! Don’t worry though, you can keep your pants on. Follow this quick video tutorial on how to measure saddle width and let’s get you riding more comfortably ASAP.

Alright, now that you know what to do you can go out and get your saddle width supplies or you can order one directly from our us and have them shipped directly to your door.

Then, find that saddle that fits your width needs!

If you have any questions or need any help please contact us we would love to see you more comfortable on your next ride!

Some Peloton riders may be unaware of what a bicycle fit is. If you are here it is likely you have heard of a bike fit and you are wondering, “Do I need a bike fit for my Peloton?” We believe that once you purchase your Peloton a bike fit is one of the best investments you can make to your riding enjoyment and your longevity in riding. 

You bought an amazing piece of equipment to help improve your fitness and your overall health and we LOVE it! Let’s pair the great benefits of indoor cycling with a fit and you will see the added benefits of increased pedaling efficiency, a reduced risk of overuse injury, improved overall comfort and subsequently you will enjoy riding your Peloton more and because of this are likely to want to to so more often!

How do you get a bike fit on a bike in your home? There are two ways to go about it. You can find a local bike fit specialist in your area and they can come to your home and fit you on your bike or you can book a virtual fitting with us! We send you a package with the key elements that allow us to take measurements while you pedal and then during our allotted time we will virtually meet with you and help you set your Peloton up for your specific cycling needs.

Schedule and appointment now or contact us with any questions you may have.

Bicycle saddle width has become an industry standard for a method of selecting which bicycle seat will be the best fit for your riding needs. In this video you can learn how to use a bicycle saddle width kit. If you do not have the supplies for a saddle width measurement kit you can order one from us and have the supplies shipped directly to your do!

Once you have taken that measurement you can head over to our Saddle Width Calculator and find out which width range you should be looking at for your bicycle saddle as well as what saddle choices may be best for you!