Tradition
For most of my cycling life, I rode on deep (D-shaped) traditional road bike handlebars. They were all 44 cm wide (center to center) on the drops. The 'traditional' measurement for 'matching' handlebars was that they should be as wide as the rider's shoulders, in my case 44 cm.
Development
While watching the last few years' road racing Classics and Grand Tours it was quite noticeable, that some changes were going on regarding handlebar widths and shapes. One influence came surely from Gravel Bikes, where handlebars are typically narrower on the hoods and flared to wider drops. In the case of the below Ritchey Comp Beacon, they start from 40 cm on the top and 55 cm on the drop, a difference of 15 cm!
The wider drops are meant to balance Gravel Bikes on difficult off-road terrain, similar to the wider handlebars on Mountain Bikes. But for tarmac, these wider drops are, in my opinion, not necessary.
Still, the narrowest handlebar in the pro peloton is used by the Dutch professional Jan-Willem van Schip, measuring 30 cm on the hoods and 32 cm (c--c) on the drops. It might look extreme when a 194 cm (6 ft 4 in) tall rider is racing on such small handlebars. But he carried this interpretation for a narrower bar over from his track bike...
I am not such an extremist, but I was seriously considering a change from my traditional setup. I had two new Deda RHM02 handlebars in a kind of rough (raw) black finish with bright red/white 'team color' graphics lying around. For my idea of a different setup, I picked the narrower, official' 42 cm (outer-outer) in favor of my usual 44 cm (center-center) wide handlebar.
Deda's Origin
Deda is the short form of Dedacciai, an Italian engineering, and manufacturing company of cycling tube sets (alloy, aluminum, titanium, carbon), established in 1992. The company sponsors several pro-tour teams like Lotto Soudal, UAE Team Emirates, etc., and some athletes. My handlebars were marked 'made in Taiwan' on a sticker attached to the brown handle of the packing.
Deda RHM02 Handlebar, Manufacturer's Specifications
O. D. Diameter: 31.7 mm
Width: 42 cm (outside-outside), 40 cm (center-center)
Material: Alloy 6061, double butted cold drawn
Finish: rough black with red/white team graphics
Weight: 295 grams
Price: GB£ 10.81 (~US$ 15.03, 2021/7/31)
Deda's Terms:
-Deda's RHM
stands for Deda's own patented (!) Rapid Hand Movement. The very compact 75 mm reach* and 128 mm drop* 'naturally' support quick hand movements. The top has a comfortable, nearly uniform 31.7 mm diameter thick round shape; the cables are hidden under a lower flat part. Deda calls this an 'aero top cross section' but after the final wrap in bar tape, there is not much 'aero' left.
*Reach: the distance the bar extends from the clamp area,
*Drop: the distance the bar drops from the clamp area.
-Deda's 31.7 mm Clamp Diameter
The measurement of the clamp diameter is based on a tube diameter of 1 1/4" inch, which measures 31.75 mm. Most manufacturers round this up to 31.8 mm while the Italians round (mathematically incorrect) down to 31.7 mm. Both of my Kalloy Uno and Ritchey WCS stems come with official 31.8 mm clamps, they fit the Deda handlebars (31.7 mm) perfectly.
-Deda's Width Measurement
differs, as you've guessed, from other manufacturers. My officially Deda 42 cm handlebar is measured outside-outside on the drops. By international standard center to center (c-c), it would be 2 cm smaller or 'only'40 cm in width. When you purchase a Deda road handlebar you should be aware of its measurements!
Great Riding Experience
My reservations of using a 40 cm instead of my usual 44 cm wide handlebar were unfounded after riding several 100 km. On the contrary, the 4 cm narrower bar let the whole bike feel more agile and nimble; it is a joy slicing through tight corners. I feel livelier and faster even with my two beloved stem/bar bags attached. Surprisingly, I did not notice anything negative in terms of handling and comfort.
I can't explain why, but I found myself riding on the drops of the narrower bar more frequently. It might be that I enjoy cheating the wind with a lower position more than before.
One positive side effect of switching to a narrower handlebar became quite obvious. Previously, I've noticed some minor neck and shoulder pain on rides longer than 4 hours. After combining a longer stem (from 120 to 130 mm) and the downsized handlebar, I was riding pain-free...
Delicate Black Finish
My only gripe is the black 'rough' finish. I am a sweater, especially in high humidity and high-temperature Taiwan. My sweat leaves a kind of white residue on the otherwise nice black finish. It has to be cleaned quite often. While paper tissue fibers will stick to the finish of the bar, so I have to resort to a glass cleaner with a microfiber cloth.
My other Deda RHM02 handlebar is painted white, with no sweat sticks on it and therefore no cleaning is necessary.
Looking back, I think every rider should at least try narrower road handlebars. Not only as a slight aerodynamic advantage but more as a different riding experience. Before tasting a different bar, I advise lending a friend's bike to get some feel for it. In a very short time, I came so accustomed to my new riding position, that I catch myself riding on the tops in the same position on my 'old' 44 cm handlebar.
Shorts
+ Plus: premium look, great handling, good comfort, reasonable price, reasonable weight
- Minus: 'rough' gloss black finish is 'sensitive' to sweat and tissues
#Dedacciai #Deda #RHM02 #31.7
Ride carefully, Gerhard
A Word of Caution
Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike and not the other way around. Ride responsibly and defensively and be prepared for a worst-case scenario! It is senseless to gain some seconds but spends weeks recovering in a hospital and/or at home for a stupid action! You, your body, your parents, your family, and your friends will surely appreciate your precautions before, during, and after a bike ride.
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