Since I got my Haibike back in May I noticed how wide the handlebars were compared to my other bikes.
I had also had trouble getting the bike on to certain trails which had the metal "anti motorbike" style entrance having to almost dance the bike through them at a jaunty angle.
After trying out some different hand positions on the bars and moving the brakes etc. I have been able to find a much better riding position and hand width on the bars.
My standard MTB has a bar width of 50.6cm just within my shoulders and always felt a little narrow.
My A2B Metro has a bar width of 60.7cm and handles and rides like a dream - even off road to its limit!
I decided to trim 3cm off each end of the Haibike bar to a total length of 60.6cm which is perfect for my shoulder width leaving my hands just outside my shoulder when riding the bike.
Riding on the road with the new bar width puts you in a more natural position and has made the long rides a little more comfortable.
The bike also seams much easier to ride off road - and fits through the "anti motorbike" styles! - it makes me feel as though I am right in the middle of the riding experience and not having to hold a balancing beam which is what the ride felt like before. My arms are not as stretched which means I am not leaning forward as much and does make a subtle difference in the ride.
Has anyone else tried shortening their bar width and found a difference in how their bike rides - I am very pleased (and relieved) with what such a small change has made.
I had also had trouble getting the bike on to certain trails which had the metal "anti motorbike" style entrance having to almost dance the bike through them at a jaunty angle.
After trying out some different hand positions on the bars and moving the brakes etc. I have been able to find a much better riding position and hand width on the bars.
My standard MTB has a bar width of 50.6cm just within my shoulders and always felt a little narrow.
My A2B Metro has a bar width of 60.7cm and handles and rides like a dream - even off road to its limit!
I decided to trim 3cm off each end of the Haibike bar to a total length of 60.6cm which is perfect for my shoulder width leaving my hands just outside my shoulder when riding the bike.
Riding on the road with the new bar width puts you in a more natural position and has made the long rides a little more comfortable.
The bike also seams much easier to ride off road - and fits through the "anti motorbike" styles! - it makes me feel as though I am right in the middle of the riding experience and not having to hold a balancing beam which is what the ride felt like before. My arms are not as stretched which means I am not leaning forward as much and does make a subtle difference in the ride.
Has anyone else tried shortening their bar width and found a difference in how their bike rides - I am very pleased (and relieved) with what such a small change has made.