Handle bar length

[manderson]

My Mt. bike handle bars seem to be too long and make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Any recommendations on what length would be best based on frame size, height, etc...? I would hate to cut them too short.
Frame size: Large
Height: 6”0
I am not sure exactly how long the bar is currently.
Thanks

[dave t]

Kind of a personal preferance thing to me. I always ran my bars really narrow when I had straight bars but now I have a odd set of fat risers that only allow the controls to be mounted so far in. This forced me to run at control width plus grip length. They are a bit wider than I would have run but only cause some tree punching at Mammoth if I'm not paying attention.

Try closing your eyes and dropping your hands to the bars at a comfortable width and see if you could set them up for that position. Possibly test before cutting by setting up the controls and a set of open ended grips. Be sure you have bar ends plugged to do this.

[ppgc]

I like a wider bar on my SS. 680mm for sure, but it is a very personal choice.

[charliebrown]

I like a wider bar on my SS. 680mm for sure, but it is a very personal choice.

I agree I have a wider bar on my SS. But I think it is really a personal preference thing. :cool:

[Nita]

My bars are narrow, (24-1/2) but my shoulders are narrower too. Give Dave's idea a try before you cut too much.

[soupboy]

Take the narrowest passage betwixt two trees at Theo, subtract 7/16ths of an inch. There you have it.

[gointhedistance]

Take the narrowest passage betwixt two trees at Theo, subtract 7/16ths of an inch. There you have it.

Yeah - If you can sneak between some of those at Theo... you should pretty much be able to get through anywhere else!!

Also, "betwixt" is a cool word