Does it even make a difference? The website said 42 was better for handleing and climbing, and 40 was more aero. I live in florida so I have never heard of climbing and most of the tri’s are out and back style without being technical. I think that would make the 40 cm better but if i do have a race that is technical or I have to climb will I regret it?
Depends on how wide your shoulders are. I can’t imagine trying breath, let alone steer trying to ride a 40cm.
Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about two centimeters of handlebar width making any kind of aerodynamic difference. I’d say go for the 42’s. Thats’ what I’ve got.
The rule of thumb is to have this measurement match the width measured from the center of your shoulders.
Measure that and measure your current bike. Any aero difference would have to be a total joke.
I wouldn’t worry too much about this parameter as long as you are close.
I’d say it should depend more on the size of your shoulder width. If you have narrow shoulders then go with the smaller size and vice versa.
In your area you’d probably be fine with the 40 cm. In theory a 42 would give a bit more control on technical courses or descents, but 2 cm really isn’t a lot of difference.
I am looking at a used set of each. they are the same size with the exception of the width. I ride mostly on the aerobars anyway but I do go ride with some roadies on saturday so i still have to be able to steer. I will be gettign a road bike in a few months but until then. At the same time I dont want to come up short on what i get and regret it later.
I am only 5’7" so my shoulders cant be that wide. Both bars are on ebay and end the same time. I was hoping they would be about he smae and i could go for the cheaper one.
Sure, it makes a difference.
Measure your shoulders. If you can go either way, then: if you climb and stand a lot when you do climb, go with the wider bars; if you don’t climb much or don’t stand much when you do climb, go with the narrower bars.
“I am only 5’7” so my shoulders cant be that wide"
Depends whether you’re a stocky or narrow build. Not a huge difference. Go with the 42.
I am at work and just measured my shoulders and got roughly 43 cm wide from the outside to outside. I did it by marking the outside of my shoulder on a board so it could be off a few cm. If anything it would be off too large. what do you guys think?
42
.
how bad would 40’s be. The 42 seem to have more interest. I will try for the 42’s but what if…
if you really like to split hairs, you measure your shoulders center of deltoid muscle-to-center of deltoid muscle. it appears you can go either way, then: if you climb and stand a lot when you do climb, go with the wider bars; if you don’t climb much or don’t stand much when you do climb, go with the narrower bars.
The 40’s more aero? Who cares? That’s what the clip-ons are for! When I’m on the drops (or grips for bullhorns) I want power and maneuverability, not aero.
Go with the 42’s.
Thanks it seems that I could use either or.
I’m 6 foot tall and use 38 cm bars. My Giant came with 44’s, and man did they feel weird till I got a chance to change em.
Actually the width of the Basebars has nothing to do with the width of your shoulders. That idea is based on selecting a road drop bar where you spend a majority of time on the brake lever hoods.
To select the best Basebar width, I would look at how you will be using the product. When you are in the aero position, everything outboard of your armrest plates is drag. You only need the cowhorn so that you can handle the bike. If you are riding on open flat roads, you may be spending very little time in the cowhorn position. The more hilly the course is, and the more you need to handle the bike, the wider you should go. The 42 will be the most popular size because the average triathlete guy is fairly tall, and will ride a lot of hilly roads. Usually there are strong crosswinds, rough roads, rain, and other reasons why a 42 may be of benefit.
If you ride mostly flat courses, have good bike handling skills, and want to be the most aero, choose the 40 width.
What is the drag savings between the 40 and 42 width? A 42 width Basebar and a set of Cane Creek brake Levers VS a set of 40 with Basebars with Vision levers would be worth a difference of about 10-15 second in a 40K. So to make up that time lost on the bike, you can run 5 seconds per mile faster for 3 miles, or just buy aero parts.
For a smaller triathlete in Florida, who wants to be faster and more competitive, I would suggest the 40 width.
Oi!! Do you read what you write before you post?
Actually the width of the Basebars has nothing to do with the width of your shoulders
So you are telling us that the handlebar size has nothing to do with the size of the rider. Well, I disagree, but we’ll swallow this one for now.
But then you contradict yourself moments later!:
The 42 will be the most popular size because the average triathlete guy is fairly tall
So now body size IS connected to base bar width?! And the height of the athlete makes a difference!!? You must mean taller guys have wider shoulders and these guys need the slightly wider bar, which further contradicts your first wild assertion even more! Would it be safe to say you are confused? And you are further confusing the initial poster.
going by vision’s website they do say that shoulder width has nothing to do with what size you pick. They suggeust what aero guy is saying.
"what aero guy is saying. "
I agree. He’s upstaged the rest of us with a very logical argument.
but do they say body size has something to do with it??
What is the best way to choose the BaseBar width?
The Vision Basebar is designed with a very aerodynamic wing section and is far more aerodynamic versus a standard round cowhorn or road drop bar set up. The Vision Basebar comes in two sizes, 40cm or 42cm width. (measured center to center) In selecting the Basebar properly, one doesn’t select by shoulder width (such as in selecting a road drop bar), but in how long the events are, how hilly and technical the courses are, your skill at handling the bike, and how important aerodynamics are for the biggest events you will be doing.
The 42cm width makes climbing out of the saddle easier, because the wider width adds increased leverage and a stable platform for handling the bike, especially in strong cross winds. If you have your armrest plates fairly wide, and expect to be using the BaseBar for technical courses that have strong crosswinds, sharp turns, or extended climbing, then select the 42cm width.
The 40 cm width is more aerodynamic due to its reduced frontal area. If the courses you do are flat or you are never in the Basebar position, then the 40cm width BaseBar would be the best bar to choose.
The most popular size for triathlon is 42cm width. For flat non technical courses, and for riders that wish to remain in the aero position with minimum drag, then 40cm width would be the advantage. This is the size that many Time Trialist use.