Moving hoods inwards - possible, recommended?

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robeambro
Posts: 1829
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:21 pm

by robeambro

Hi all,

When I ride my bike, 90% of the time I am between the drops and the "sphinx" position, which I can both hold for a very long time thanks to my monkey arms. The latter is comfy (once my triceps warm up, the initial minutes are torture!), but I cannot help but think that I'd be even comfier if the hoods were slightly tilted inwards. Kinda in a Campagnolo-esque way. My hands also get numb and I wonder whether it's because I keep my wrist at an angle.

I thought about switching to narrower handlebars but a) it would be a pain b) it would be expensive since I have an aero carbon handlebar and c) it's not guaranteed that I'll like how it feels.

Now, not sure if relevant, but I run Di2 Disc.

So, is it possible to do this, and is there any potential negative side effect? Is it easy* to do, or would I be better off going to a LBS for it?


*I am mechanically inept and very clumsy.

TobinHatesYou
Posts: 12457
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:02 pm

by TobinHatesYou

Many of us do this already. If you look at your idle hand in a neutral position, your grip is naturally curved inward a little bit

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Jugi
Posts: 678
Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2018 8:10 am

by Jugi

Minor adjustments on hood position can be done even without removing the bar tape, because even a small change in hood angle produces a tremendous effect. In my opinion everybody should think about it and adjust accordingly, because it increases control and safety as well as comfort. Classic "levers straight ahead" may not be the best position.

If you have a delicate handlebar, just take care not to over-tighten them once you have them as desired. If you don't have a torque wrench available, a good approach is to try tightening the bolts first to get a feel of how tight they should be when finishing the job. Also, take care to have good purchase on the bolt's head as usually those are at a difficult angle on the lever's upper side.

AnkitS
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Location: Santa Cruz, CA

by AnkitS

"mechanically inept" and "carbon aero bar" in the same sentence worry me. If it's a small adjustment your local bike shop will probably just do it for free.

robeambro
Posts: 1829
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2018 6:21 pm

by robeambro

Thanks guys. Good to hear that not only it is possible without compromising eg. shifting/braking, but it is also recommended!

I don't really have a relationship with a LBS at the moment, so I'll see. I may leave this to a later date.

However, if I were to try by myself, I assume that there is no specified torque for those screws, and upon doing my changes I should re-tighten by feel according to how tight it was?

Jugi
Posts: 678
Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2018 8:10 am

by Jugi

The levers most likely have a 6Nm torque recommendation. Check your handlebar's installation manual for it's torque limits, which may be less than 6Nm.

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Frankie - B
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by Frankie - B

This:
TobinHatesYou wrote:
Wed Jul 17, 2019 9:57 am
Many of us do this already. If you look at your idle hand in a neutral position, your grip is naturally curved inward a little bit
in all honesty. this is the answer to your question. I have my shifters setup a little inward as well. If you'd ask me, shifters pointing straight forward is a sign of a lazy mechanic, or one not in the know.
'Tape was made to wrap your GF's gifts, NOT hold a freakin tire on.'
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Pierre86
Posts: 229
Joined: Mon May 13, 2019 3:53 pm

by Pierre86

I've had mine inwards for quite a while, gives a good aero wide arm pursuit position if you just grab the tops of the shifters and rest your forearms on the tops
S6 Evo
S5 Aero

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bremerradkurier
Posts: 419
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2016 4:18 pm

by bremerradkurier

Canting levers even slightly inward also helps prevent fall damage.

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