I’ve been looking around at different sets of handlebars for my road bike. It’s been a bit difficult though — I’m not really in an area where I can do a lot of hands-on comparison shopping.
I got to try out my friend’s bike with Salsa Woodchipper bars, and I absolutely loved them. But I also wanted to see what else might be around, so when that same friend showed me a web site that does bar comparisons, it was a gold mine. I was able to put up the Woodchipper — which I had tried — and overlay several other bars that I wasn’t able to try. I could also compare dimensions such as sweep, drop, and reach. I’m not a weight-weenie, but it’s got that too. I only wish they would show a side view.
I did find a set of bars somewhat like the Woodchipper (the Dajia Far Bar). They had a more ergonomic look to them, but they’re wider (and if you saw the Woodchippers in person, you’d wonder how any bar could be wider than them).
I’ll probably get the Woodchipper anyway, but at least it was nice to browse around. If you’re looking for new bars, you might want to give this site a try.
Nice site but it is strange that they don’t show the profile.. The Far Bar looks a bit roomier. I suspect that either of these might be a good option for me down the road. It’s pretty hard to Imagine making the Roubaix any more comfortable but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try. I look forward to a review once you’ve got some serious mileage on them (whichever bar you decide on).
I loved the Woodchippers the minute I tried them. Incredibly comfortable. They’ll be my Christmas present I guess.