Wide bar + short stem? Alloy vs carbon?

[Douglas]

Hey all. First wanted to give a big thank you to all since this is my first post. I'm totally new at the BP thing and all your posts, rigs, packing lists and info have been invaluable. Awesome and very inspiring. So big thanks!

Got a couple questions on bar/stem setup. Currently been riding on factory 568mm (~15") flat alloy bars on a 130mm stem and starting to relaize that I'm riding way too stretched out, and want to make some improvements. I'm 6'1 on a 19.5" 26in XT frame. Some people are suggesting extra wide bar (28-30") and short stem (30mm-80mm) setups, which promise more control and stability. I understand and really like the idea for trails. But much of my rides also include long stretches on the road, and I'm curious how this setup works for that. What do you think of the wide bar/short stem for BP? Go for wide? or find some compromise?

Also like to get your thoughts on carbon bars, specifically in combination with bar ends. Currently have my eyes on a Thomson X4 stem (50-70mm range), with Thomson XC carbon flat bar (~29"/6deg sweep), and Ritchey WCS bar ends. Thomson says don't use bar ends, but many reviewers say its no problem, especially with these bars which have beefed up material thickness at the ends. What you think about carbon? with bar-ends? Would cheaper, but heavier alloy be better in the long run? Thanks for the help!

[Colorado Cool Breeze]

Hi Douglas, I run wide bars(730-710) short stems (70-50) on my 26" bikes. All Alloy.
I have several Carbon bars but never real noticed the improvmentd they say they offer probably do to the bikes being full suspension and setup ubersoft
I just switched stock bars on the 29er, which is a XC/rails to trails bike, for a Jones H
and prefer it for bike paths, rails to trails, and XC with a load.

DH  730/50 Love the control and more upright sitting position.



XC 710/70  Wider bars even on the XC bike gives me more control.



29er Jones H

[Douglas]

You have a lot of bikes! Thanks for the info and great pics. Sounds like you like the wide bars equally well for trail and road, which is good to hear (looks like maybe a bit narrower on your 29er? can't tell). What strikes me though is the drop... looks like your bars are about lvl with your seat. I'm riding with a 4" drop! And can't raise it because the bike shipped with the steering tube cut off. Might need to look into some riser bars. thanks again.

[Area54]

You can buy steerer extenders, you remove the star nut in the steerer, insert the extender much like a quill stem into the steerer, then tighten it and install your existing stem straight to the extender.

I much prefer alloy or ti bars for my expedition/bikepacking bikes. I prefer the way it can handle the loads and the crashes with maybe a slight bend, carbon just go snap.

[Douglas]

area54. Thanks for info. Good to know there are other options. To be honest though, I'm quite comfortable with the 4" drop, just dont want any more than that. Seems like there is no concensus and that it really comes down to personal preference, but I've been told that a good starting range is 1"- 3" (for both xc and dh) and that 4"- 6" is not uncommon for taller people. I'm 6'1" and feels fine. I don't know, what do you think?