Shortish reach drops with long returns

[Kevin]

I like the hoods position that wider, shorter reach drop bars, paired with modern longer reach brake levers provides. However, several of the these I've tried (Noodle 48, RM-013 (I do tend to prefer a silver 26.0 clamp)) seem to have correspondingly short returns, such that I can barely get a full hand comfortably on the flatter portion of the drops.

Lengths of the returns is not typically a measurement noted anywhere in description/specs, so I am seeking out some real world experiences. Anybody have similar experiences and are there bars that have worked well for you?

Thanks.

[Patch T]

Hi Kevin,

I think the Crust Shaka may fit that description, depending on how wide you want to go. I have the 540mm in 26.0 clamp, and really love it for off-road. I have a smallish frame and narrow shoulders, so any wider is overkill for me; in fact 540 may be overkill, but I do find them very comfortable.

The drops do have a long return; the ends are a couple-few inches past the top bar by my naked eye, and I find there's lots of room for my hands to roam down there in the drops + flats.

Also, if you didn't require silver and 26.0, perhaps the Salsa Cowbell?

Patch

BK/NY

[Jeffrey Arita]

Kevin,

I have tried multiple drop bars.  I agree, specifically the Nitto Noodle does have shorter flatter portions on the returns.

IME, the gravel type bars have more generous *returns*.  Specifically the Salsa "Woodchipper", Ritchey "Beacon" and the Spank "Flare 25" bars.  IMHO, the Beacon and the Flare 25s place the brake levers in a more ergo position as well (vs. non-flared drop bars).  IME, if one places the Woodchippers at the recommended angle, it enables very good hand positions for climbing (much like bar-ends on mountain bikes).  We rode Woodchippers (on Salsa Fargos) on the GDMBR and they worked very, very well.

Good luck,

Jeff

Claremont, CA

[Christopher Cote]

Check out the Soma Highway One. I think that is exactly what you're looking for.

Chris

On Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 12:52:46 PM UTC-4 Kevin wrote:

[Kevin]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check some of those out. 

Have tried the Woodchippers and I think the drops position is awesome but I don't love the wrist angle on the hoods.

Would love to try the 26.0 Shakas but they seem pretty difficult to come by unless somebody here is sitting on a pair.

[Jeffrey Arita]

Kevin,

I agree with you regarding wrist position on the hoods on the Woodchippers - it is not the best.  IME, the wrist/hand position on the other gravel bars (on the hoods) are much, much better.  Our current favorite is the Ritchey Beacon.  We just bought a pair to install on our touring tandem.  Good luck with your search,

Jeff