Nitto Noodle (B177) questions

[jeffrey kane]

Has anyone ever noticed a significant difference in the degree of curves on the Noodle bar when comparing different widths? I have an older 46cm and a brand new 44cm sitting side by side in front of me right now and am rather surprised at two points:

First: the backward angle of the tops is considerably less on the 44 than the 46

Second: the downward angle of the tops is also less on the 44 than the 46, tho not quite as significant as the sweep back difference

Quick back story: I was perfectly happy riding the 46's but just kinda thought they seemed (meaning looked) a bit wide on my 54/Saluki. Eventually, I switched to a different 42 bar for the last 3 months and while it seemed ridiculously narrow after being on the 46's, I didn't find it uncomfortable in any negative way ... 42 matches my CF racing bike as well so it's not like I wasn't used to the width. And the new 42 (GB Maes 1970's) has nice long flat ramp, which, I've always liked. Que in GP's "you can used to anything" quote here ... anyway, while not uncomfortable on the Maes, I couldn't help but think how much I missed the downward drop and backward sweep of the old 46/Noodle and so I reasoned: 42 seems skinny, lets get a 44/Noodle and ride all the way to heaven ... hence, my questions above.

Look, I haven't mounted the 44 yet .... and I'm sure I'll be happy on it. I'm also sure the manufacturing of these bends is insanely difficult but still, the difference, particularly on the sweepback, is visually great enough to make me ask if anyone else has noticed this or can comment with any insight.

[Peter Pesce]

My 46cm Noodles actually have unequal sweeps. I always thought this was in my head, but I actually measured it the other day. Bike has never been in an incident that could have caused it, and I've suspected it from day one.
Once I'm on a ride and have my mind on other things, I forget about it and it doesn't bother me. Guess you can get used to anything!

On a related note, 46cm Noodles for sale cheap. (just kidding of course)

Pete in CT

[lungimsam]

Maybe the 46 backward angle of the sweep is the same, but just looks longer because the bars are wider, thus making the tops go back for a longer length, if you know what I mean?

 

BTW, I think overly wide noodles look cool on Riv-bikes.