The handle bars on there now say they have a reach of 84 mm or so. Were I to pick up some with a reach of 76mm would that be like getting a 8 mm shorter stem? Obviously I only mean from the hoods or drops, the top would be the same.
How would a shortened reach of a handlebar affect handling compared to a shorter stem (again, from the hoods/drops only)? I’ve got a 90mm now and want to avoid going 80.
If i get a good deal on a used carbon bar, any issues using it with an alloy stem (i have a torque wrench so can torque properly).
Side note: how hard (e.g. Specials tools or new cables needed) to swap the shifters were I to get a new handlebar? SRAM red if it matters.
Can’t really answer your handling questions. But all you need tool wise are allen keys to get your old bar off and take off and put back on the shifters. Go to the SRAM website, they have nice diagrams on where all the particular bolts live on the shifters. You don’t need to replace your cables, but if they are due it is probably a good time to do it. Same thing with the bar tape, could be reused but it’s a good excuse to get a new set. If you do the cables/bar tape yourself, use the park tool website for reference, the length of the cable housing and direction you wrap the bar tape matters so be sure you do it right. That said, it’s an easy DIY job if you’ve got any mechanical skill whatsoever.
Pretty comfortable. New cables and tape already and just fine with most things adjustments etc. never installed cables though or moved shifter so wasnt sure what it entailed.
Thanks.
There are a number of theoretical answers to your question, but how your handling will specifically be effected is impossible to answer with any certainty. The best solution for you to is too look up a local bike fitter with a good reputation for road and have them take a look at you on your bike and discuss and possibly even test different bar set-ups so you can “feel” the difference and the fitter can objectively see what the best course of action would be.
There are number of factors that will effect your handling and shortening the reach may or may not be the solution.
Yeah, I’ve been fit and have the measurements I want, I’m just transferring to a new bike. I know handling can become an issue with shorter stems (80 or 90 or so) and was wondering if a shorter read due to handlebars has the same effect. So not really looking for a fitter, I know where I need to be, just seeing if shortening handlebar reach could be a better way to get there than shortening a stem.
If there’s no good answer to that question (handling differences between shortened stem reach and shortened handlebar reach), I guess I’ll just flip a coin (or go the cheaper route 
ETA: I guess I’m not sure I could “feel” the difference, especially if it were slight, making those changes with a fitter and a 5 min test of each.
What matters for handling is how far your hands are from the center of the steering axis, so no whether the reach is due to stem or HB wont matter.
Yeah, that is what I assumed. I guess I gain some handling from the tips if I go shorter handlebars, but that is of very little concern.
Thanks for the reply
When you shorten the reach - you are bringing you hands back closer only at the levers (this affects hood and drop position)
When you shorten the stem - you are bring all positions back, this may make you feel cramped or that you are “sitting up” when holding the bars near the stem (like when climbing), it also may make you feel like you need to move the saddle back when in the drops.
Since you have been fit before, and assuming you liked the fitter and your position developed, this is a perfect follow-up question for them. Since they know you they are the best equipped to answer the question. Depending on their business practice it should be a relatively cheap if not free source of information. Which way you go bar or stem is also relative to the new geometry, fork trail/ rake, length of top tube and any other differences between the two bikes. It does not take much difference to effect what works and what would be the specific recommendation for each bike. Also you have too look at the shape of the bar, some bars work better than others with SRAM brifters. the reach is not the only factor when choosing the bar.
My initial impression and the most frequent recommendation I make is shorter reach rather than shorter stem.