- News
- Reviews
- Bikes
- Accessories
- Accessories - misc
- Computer mounts
- Bags
- Bar ends
- Bike bags & cases
- Bottle cages
- Bottles
- Cameras
- Car racks
- Child seats
- Computers
- Glasses
- GPS units
- Helmets
- Lights - front
- Lights - rear
- Lights - sets
- Locks
- Mirrors
- Mudguards
- Racks
- Pumps & CO2 inflators
- Puncture kits
- Reflectives
- Smart watches
- Stands and racks
- Trailers
- Clothing
- Components
- Bar tape & grips
- Bottom brackets
- Brake & gear cables
- Brake & STI levers
- Brake pads & spares
- Brakes
- Cassettes & freewheels
- Chains
- Chainsets & chainrings
- Derailleurs - front
- Derailleurs - rear
- Forks
- Gear levers & shifters
- Groupsets
- Handlebars & extensions
- Headsets
- Hubs
- Inner tubes
- Pedals
- Quick releases & skewers
- Saddles
- Seatposts
- Stems
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Health, fitness and nutrition
- Tools and workshop
- Miscellaneous
- Cross country mountain bikes
- Tubeless valves
- Buyers Guides
- Features
- Forum
- Recommends
- Podcast
forum
Flat Top Bars - Any Good?
I'm considering changing my bars over to a set with a flat top as they are supposed to offer more comfort when climbing.
Does anyone have any experience of these? if so what are the pros and cons?
Thanks 
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
Latest Forum Topics
Latest Comments
- stonojnr 3 sec ago
the key is having a decent LBS, one you can trust to do the work, and not invent things to do, or start overcharging you, and not everyone has that...
- Aluminium can 29 min ago
No sticker is required in the case of the empathy disabled. If you see someone in yoga wear getting out a wankpanzer it's clear they are crippled...
- ktache 1 hour 41 min ago
I run 10+14 on my summer tyres and 11+14 on my intermediates and full on winter muds. And I can feel differences as the week progresses.
- brooksby 1 hour 59 min ago
I think that you have it the wrong way around: the £10-15 lights on eBay (other marketplaces are available) are cheap copies of Lezyne's originals....
- Tom_77 2 hours 37 min ago
Does it happen outside the Moldavian Embassy? Or maybe it's the chip shop.
- David9694 2 hours 56 min ago
'Safety Is a Shared Responsibility, Says Traffic Officer Whose Tips Are Aimed 100% at Pedestrians and Cyclists
- Bungle_52 3 hours 58 min ago
We can't have that can we. Much better to risk killing vulnerable road users. Less damage to the cars.
- Bungle_52 4 hours 1 min ago
I've just had the outcomes from 4 reports I put in last week. 3 of them were for driving at me on my side of the road. Two I had to brake and...
- Cycloid 4 hours 20 min ago
I have seen this image several times and can see no scientific reason for the conclusion it supports. I have been unable to trace it's source....
- Rendel Harris 4 hours 44 min ago
Sounds massive, doesn't it, but whilst we should obviously be aiming for as little carbon release as possible that's the equivalent of what...
Add new comment
8 comments
I have flat top pro plt bars and love them
Flat top bars have helped with the touch of carpal tunnel syndrome I get in my right hand.
Unless they're causing you discomfort I wouldn't bother...why fix if it ain't broken
I have ridden bikes with flat tops and I'm really not fussed, I think I prefer round bars but this obviously a matter of personal preference
Sorry if this bit doesn't help...
... but it sounds like it's down to personal preference... I have some 3T Ergonova & really like them
From what you say in your comment about being in the drops, it sounds to me as though the curve & depth of the bars is going to be more important for you
i used some 3t ergonova bars and found that the flat top meant i only had 1
comfortable position ... swapped back to round bars !
Thanks for the reply. Comfort wise my set up is ok on the tops it's more in the drops that I struggle. I'm currently using an anatomic bar but considering switching to a Ritchey Evo Curve which is compact with an ovalized top. As I've only ever used round bars I wasn't too sure on the ovalized top.
Cheers
I also have one bike with these. Comfort wise - more 'pleasing' shape to hold, but I've never suffered discomfort holding round bars on the tops. I think if you are getting discomfort, its an issue with bar tape / position / gloves or something else. I doubt an aero bar would be the answer.
I have these on one of my bikes and don't find a lot of difference. The shape of the bar makes the tops feel a bit different, but no great advantages or disadvantages for comfort. To be honest, the effect of the bar tape is much larger, and I'd consider double-wrapping if you have a problem with comfort.