Sizing XLC touring bars for custom fit While test riding some new handlebars a friend described them as "not as forgiving" compared to other wider handlebars. Granted he had a few beers in him and when he rode the bike sober he liked it just fine. Now, I'm not suggesting that how a bike rides while drunk is a good test of a bike's performance. Nonetheless I found it to be an interesting statement and useful information for this blog.
So today I replaced those handlebars with a wider "Ergo Bar" from XLC. With a 59 degree sweep and a curved design it is a very nice handlebar that I feel obliged to recommend particularly for the price at under ten bucks. The style and design is reminiscent of the ever popular Albatross handlebars at a quarter of the cost.
When someone complains about a sore butt, hand numbness or any other physical pain due to improper equipment or bike fit they are not "imagining" anything. So that when approaching a bike to have it cooperate with the individual rider's comfort we use the phrase "ride your own ride" and sheds light on the autonomy of riding a bike.
Proper bike fit has been a popular topic with some bike shops offering advanced methods of custom bike fit as an added customer service feature. Following is an example of proper bike fit that anyone can implement with basic bike tools or a bike multi-tool
A simple idea of setting up handlebars, brake levers and shifters is a good example of the importance of bike ergonomics. Photo below left provides an example of improper hand position where due to the wrist having to bend from the grip to the lever is sure to produce some discomfort, usually hand numbness or pain. Photo on right illustrates proper hand positioning where the wrist is straight providing stronger movement for grabbing the brake lever and does not interfere with circulation preventing hand numbness and pain. This is just one example of proper bike fit and ergonomics so important for bike riders of all types. For bike commuters and those interested in bike touring it is very important not to be distracted by unnecessary pain caused by poor equipment or improper bike fit.
So today I replaced those handlebars with a wider "Ergo Bar" from XLC. With a 59 degree sweep and a curved design it is a very nice handlebar that I feel obliged to recommend particularly for the price at under ten bucks. The style and design is reminiscent of the ever popular Albatross handlebars at a quarter of the cost.
When someone complains about a sore butt, hand numbness or any other physical pain due to improper equipment or bike fit they are not "imagining" anything. So that when approaching a bike to have it cooperate with the individual rider's comfort we use the phrase "ride your own ride" and sheds light on the autonomy of riding a bike.
Proper bike fit has been a popular topic with some bike shops offering advanced methods of custom bike fit as an added customer service feature. Following is an example of proper bike fit that anyone can implement with basic bike tools or a bike multi-tool
A simple idea of setting up handlebars, brake levers and shifters is a good example of the importance of bike ergonomics. Photo below left provides an example of improper hand position where due to the wrist having to bend from the grip to the lever is sure to produce some discomfort, usually hand numbness or pain. Photo on right illustrates proper hand positioning where the wrist is straight providing stronger movement for grabbing the brake lever and does not interfere with circulation preventing hand numbness and pain. This is just one example of proper bike fit and ergonomics so important for bike riders of all types. For bike commuters and those interested in bike touring it is very important not to be distracted by unnecessary pain caused by poor equipment or improper bike fit.
 Poor circulation caused by bent and cramped wrist can lead to hand discomfort. To quote Juliane Neuss author of Ergonomics for All People "Ergonomics helps to improve the output and the comfort of bike riding. When improving the comfort, you can use your power more for bike riding and not for struggling against pain. When you improve your output you get more comfort, because your muscles become stronger and you don`t sit on the bike like a sack of potatoes". Her ebook Bike Ergonomics for All People is available for free download. Here are some blog article of interest to help with improving your bike's ergonomic quality. Click on any of the links below to read more about this topic. Four Favorite Ergonomic Cork Grips Handlebar Favorites for Bike Commuter Bike Basics, Nomenclature and Bike Fit Ten Characteristics of Mountain Bike for Commuting |  By adjusting the lever angle proper hand position is easily achieved providing smoother operation of brakes and shifters. Another free ebook from ergotec provides lots of good information for individual riding style as well as product information. Visit their site at ergotec.com The Guide to Cycling Ergonomics is available by clicking here for free download.  Example of bike ergonomics when building a mountain bike for touring, trekking and commuting. |
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