Roadbike handlebar width

[Mayomaniac]

Hello!
I just found out than the handlebars that I've had for years are probably too wide, could explain some of the neck pain that I get on longer rides.
They are 42cm wide, my correctly measured shoulder width is 38cm while being 183cm tall (I've got narrow shoulders, but long arms), so I'm thinking about downsizing to 40cm or even 38cm ones.
Has anyone here had similar experiences?

 

[Cookster15]

No responses? I’d be interested to read opinions on this. I opted for wide bars when I bought my current road bike in 2016 (44cm). I am broad shouldered but obviously the current trend is narrow for aero and less wasted watts. Do narrow bars take time to adapt to? Any problems with breathing or climbing out of the saddle? What about handling, descending, stability? I suspect narrow bars are faster but there are compromises?

 

[Oldermanish]

No responses? I’d be interested to read opinions on this. I opted for wide bars when I bought my current road bike in 2016 (44cm). I am broad shouldered but obviously the current trend is narrow for aero and less wasted watts. Do narrow bars take time to adapt to? Any problems with breathing or climbing out of the saddle? What about handling, descending, stability? I suspect narrow bars are faster but there are compromises?

Looks like narrow also include the option of an inward bend from the drops to the top bar. That tilts the levers in nicely; furthering the aero emphasis and allowing a more relaxed grip. That alone would alleviate some neck and shoulder discomfort. I haven't tried them yet but ran into the same discomfort Mayo had on my gravel bike. I'm narrow shouldered and have neck issues that add to the tension. From the grip perspective it would seem not only more aero but a much more powerful position with the levers pitched in.
How they climb on steep pitches is a good impact to qualify. I'd like to hear what adopters have to say about them, too.

 

[Wyndbrook]

Neck pain can be caused by various issues on bike.
Is it any better if a ride is mainly on the tops? Or could it be reach and a stem length change solves it, or even a saddle adjustment is needed, or even a different saddle
Maybe narrower bars might be the answer.
It's difficult to know.
I would suggest a basic bike fit by a reputable person might be a good start.

 

[jamesrider]

Good thinking on sizing down your handlebars. A narrower bar that matches your shoulder width can definitely help reduce neck strain. 40cm sounds like a smart choice given your measurements. The closer match to your actual shoulder width should improve your comfort and potentially reduce the tension you're experiencing on longer rides.

 

[Oldermanish]

Good thinking on sizing down your handlebars. A narrower bar that matches your shoulder width can definitely help reduce neck strain. 40cm sounds like a smart choice given your measurements. The closer match to your actual shoulder width should improve your comfort and potentially reduce the tension you're experiencing on longer rides.

The width formula has to consider where on the bars you primarily ride. If you race; you're all over the bike but mostly on the hoods in a tight, pack situation. You're on the grips in breakaways and superfast descents so there are many considerations. I like my stem/bar to be somewhat neutral when sitting in the fat spot on the saddle. When you go harder you move up on the saddle which should be a pretty neutral spot for spinning and longer rides.
Get a fit from someone that knows how you ride and how you should ride has always been the best advice I've heard.
All that said the angled hood setup seems like one of the better options today for less strain but I haven't tried it.

 

[jmdirt]

Hello!
I just found out than the handlebars that I've had for years are probably too wide, could explain some of the neck pain that I get on longer rides.
They are 42cm wide, my correctly measured shoulder width is 38cm while being 183cm tall (I've got narrow shoulders, but long arms), so I'm thinking about downsizing to 40cm or even 38cm ones.
Has anyone here had similar experiences?

As others have already pointed out, bar width may or may not be why you have neck pain. IMO, its likely third or fourth on the list of things that can lead to neck strain.

I have 39 shoulders, and 780 bars on my dirt rig with no neck pain (and I have a wrecked old body).

 

[Mayomaniac]

As others have already pointed out, bar width may or may not be why you have neck pain. IMO, its likely third or fourth on the list of things that can lead to neck strain.

I have 39 shoulders, and 780 bars on my dirt rig with no neck pain (and I have a wrecked old body).

I was mainly talking about road cycling and the pain specifically starts on long descents on the drops, mostly when I have to reach for the breaks. I will first try a stem that is 1cm shorter, maybe that will solve things.
Anyway, with the recent snowfalls the road season is really over here and I'm already preparing for the XC skiing season.

 

[Oldermanish]

I was mainly talking about road cycling and the pain specifically starts on long descents on the drops, mostly when I have to reach for the breaks. I will first try a stem that is 1cm shorter, maybe that will solve things.
Anyway, with the recent snowfalls the road season is really over here and I'm already preparing for the XC skiing season.

Stem length is a possibility but so are levers and their location and how your seat position allows for moving up. Wider bars would accentuate that awkward reach, too. You should be able to take your hands off the drops on the flats if your position is balanced and still pedal. It's not a challenge but it'll confirm a couple of things: if saddle is too high/low and too far back. Obviously try it on a trainer first and go for that fit analysis.
Also; on a long twisty descent with hard braking almost everyone gets hand fatigue. You'll see pros shaking them out off the bars to get rid of forearm cramping, etc. They can't just slow down.