Recently i swapped out my 42cm drop bars for 40cm. Why? Idk. Because i just kinda did.
I ride a ton of gnarly singletrack on my gravel bike, and today (my first ride on the new bars) it was noticeably twitchier – which is what i wanted, a more roady-feel on the flats – but it was way twitchier on the singletrack sections, almost out of control. I crashed twice but also do you truly ride gravel if you dont eat some dirt every now and then?
Should the change of only 2cm be this noticeable or is this just a skill issue (and will i get better once i get used to the new width) Its also been about a month since ive ripped some trails so im a bit rusty.
Also take a second and admire my sick gravel rig 😎
by ricottacheesemonger
2 Comments
Def gonna be a bit twitchier going that narrow. I like to hit the singletrack on my State Ti, and I went with 46cm Ritchey comp beacons for that reason. I would personally never go below 44 ever again.
I switched my Niner from 42 to 38. I would describe handling as “heavier”.
I’m mostly on road and smooth gravel. Will switch back for any “spicy” gravel.