Noodles or Albas

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

I am currently using 46 cm Noodle bars at about saddle height on my
Sam for my 15 mile RT commute. I like the multiple hand positions but
can't say I'm really comfortable with them, so I'm thinking about
giving Albas a try.

If anyone out there has made the switch from drops to Albas, I'd love
to hear from you before.

Beside general impressions, I'm curious how the wider Albas perform in
dense traffic. Also thoughts about Alum vs Cromo.

I am using an 8 cm stem with the Noodles. I'm hoping the 10 cm stem
that replaced will be perfect for the Albas. If so, beside the bars I
would just need brake levers and the Nitto shim from Riv. And grips or
tape of some kind. Maybe $100-120 for the lot.

Any used Albas out there looking for a home?

Jay

[Joe Bernard]

I've used both, and it's a very different experience. In my opinion, a 2cm difference in stem length will not be enough. Albas sit you WAY back compared to what you are used to.

 

Joe Bernard

Vallejo, CA.

[Andy Smitty Schmidt]

Hi Jay, 

I believe you saw my related thread a few day back. A couple thoughts that might be worth while for you...

My Noodles were on a 7cm stem and Albas are on a 12cm stem. I probably could have gone with a 10 or 11 and been fine. Not that the 12 is too long but  I definitely don't want it longer. My intent was to sit more upright for city riding in traffic and what not. With the 12 I have the stem a couple cm above the saddle. With a shorter stem I'd probably be level with the saddle. If you already have the 10cm give it a try. 

As far as width... I've always ridden wide/upright bars. The 48cm Noodles felt narrow to me. When I've tried narrower road bars they feel way too narrow... like I may as well be holding the stem. I appreciate being back on a bar that feels "normal". As far as width in traffic... I ride defensively in traffic so don't even consider going places that are too narrow for my bars. If you like to split lanes and squeeze between cars downtown, Albas probably are not your bar. I prefer the slower + more deliberate handling of the Alba over the Noodle. 

Albas have 2 solid and unique hand positions and several variations in between. I don't feel like I'm wanting for hand positions on Albas. 

Alum vs Cromo... I have both and don't notice any real difference. Perhaps if you want to put magnets on your bars it'll matter. 

Unfortunately this is the kind of thing that you'll only really know if it works for you if you try it. 

My wife recently declared that she wants Albas on her commuter (an aluminum Kona hybrid that's slowly being Riv-ized), so even though I had a "spare" Alba bar laying on my bench for half a day, I ended up ordering another one.

Good luck. 

--Andy 

On Wednesday, June 27, 2012 7:30:46 AM UTC-7, Jay in Tel Aviv wrote:

[3wheelin]

i used noodles for about a year on my Hilsen...you are right, they
were nice, but not quite "there'. I changed to Alba's about a month
ago...Things were different. I realized i was going slower, but in a
good way. I was stopping more and enjoying my ride better. I feel
comfortable and very "English", sitting up so high. You can grab the
alba's near the stem and feel forward in the wind...I probably wont go
back to the noodles, but then again...never say never...As far as
traffic, you will be more confident, and the view is terrific...Good
luck on the switch..