Why handlebar width matters
When customising your bike, handlebar width is one of the most important choices you can make. The right fit improves comfort, control, and performance on every ride.
How to measure
Start by measuring the distance between the AC joints of your shoulders – the bony points where your collarbone meets your shoulder blade. This gives you a baseline for choosing bar width.
Measurement types
Handlebar width is usually given in one of two ways:
Centre-to-centre – from the middle of one drop to the middle of the other (most common)
Outside-to-outside – from the outer edge of one drop to the other (e.g. Zipp handlebars)
Adjusting your fit
For centre-to-centre bars: add 2 cm to your shoulder measurement
For outside-to-outside bars: add 4 cm to your shoulder measurement
Using the correct width helps you maintain a natural riding position, keeps your shoulders relaxed, and makes for a smoother, more efficient ride.
Learn more about Ribble sizing and customisation
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