Bike Setup: Opus Vivace
SRAM RED shifters
SRAM FORCE derailleurs and brakes.
Dura-Ace cassette, chain and cranks.
Easton EA90SLX wheels.
Hutch. Fusion 2 Tubeless tires.
Summary: Unfortunately, it took me a 7 days, 1000km ride from Vancouver to Calgary to realize a round bar wasn't what I needed... Numbness and pain after a few hours in the same position. I have a few problems with my hands which only come out after a few hours. I bought a FSA WING for my wife back in spring and she fell in love with it. For me, it was kinda "bling-y" and I sorta like more regular stuff. But, after my latest ride across the Rockies, I knew I had to change so I bought one too. Went out for several hours, adjusted the shifter position a few times, changed the angle a bit, and now I'm happy with it. The flats are perfect for me because they also force me to bend my elbows more and relax my back. I also find the transition from one position to the other feels more natural. My back feels less fatigued after a ride. They are plenty stiff and really fit my hands.
Strengths: Shape fits me perfectly.
Light.
Easy to position the shifters correctly.
Weaknesses: A bit "blingy" for me.
Cost.
Similar Products Used: Easton SLX Carbon
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Bike Setup: Bianchi, C2C, carbon. All Campy, but FSA bars and crank.
Summary: They look cool and have a nice palm-conforming groove in the bend behind the hoods. And while many sing their praises, they're not for everyone, so this is my individual take on them. Be cautioned that if you ride the tops, their flatness forces a 90-degree wrist bend, and the commensurate pain, numbness ... and desire for round bars. As mentioned in earlier comments,hand position options are limited, leading to quicker fatigue. Furthermore the drops form an uncomfortable angle, without enough "tail" to support a full palm grip.
Strengths: Looks
Vibation damping
Contours for palm rest
Weaknesses: Shape/flatness of top bar.
Soreness, numbness from restricted positions.
Undersized drops.
Similar Products Used: Easton
Aerus
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Bike Setup: Felt F2C; Full Dura Ace; Mavic R-SYS; FSA K-Wing Bars
Summary: These bars are fantastic! I wanted to switch to flat top bars after hearing how they are more comfortable over long distances. It's all true. I rode the Harpoon Brewery to Brewery ride again this year and these handle bars were phenomenal! The comfort is unsurpassed and they do look sexy. If you're on the fence; BUY THEM.
Strengths: Comfort & Looks
Weaknesses: Can be pricy at Retail so shop around!
Similar Products Used: Felt Carbon/Aluminum
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Bike Setup: Cervloe Carbon Soloist, Campy Record, Bontrager Race Lite-X Carbon Aero, ITM K-sword bar and Stem.
Summary: Comfort an dLooks. I've ahd these bars for over a year they are some much better than standard round bars. No numb hands or tingling fingers. I actually quite wearing cycling gloves I don't need them. There is a recession that fits perfectly inthe ball of your hand when riding on the brake hoods.
Mine are setup with the half wrap and thr graphics look great on my Cervelo Carbon Soloist. I'll never go back to riding standard round handle bars
Strengths: Comfort and Looks
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Deda Newton
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Bike Setup: Cannondale SystemSix w/ Dura Ace group/ C'dale SI cranks.
Summary: These bars were included on an eBay bike I bought. The reach is about 2 inches further than my old ride, but that's a combination of the stem. They're going to take some getting used to.
Strengths: Looks looks looks. weight. These bars are head turners due to the unusual shape. Unfortunately I'm faced with the delima of taping over the graphics.
Weaknesses: Standard version reach further than what I prefer. flat top wing section tilts up in my configuration which may make it nice for hands but hard on elbows if you like the 'elbows on tops' position.
Similar Products Used: none similar to the k-wing. just standard bars with ergo drops.
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