from Rookie’s keyboard
Hello, friends
In this short piece, I will discuss the so-called pista drop handlebars. Many rookies might mistake them for standard road drops. I know because I was one of those rookies once upon a time.
The Differences
Pista drop bars (PDBs) are built specifically for track bicycles ridden on a velodrome.
They are curved out and down and have a narrower profile than regular road bike drop bars.
The drops are the main riding position.
Regular drop bars (RDBs) are the standard handlebars on road bikes.
They offer multiple hand positions and aren’t curved out and down as aggressively as PDBs.
They also have a flat section.
Hand Positions
Pista drop bars have one “official” hand position – the drops. You can also put their hands on other sections of the handlebars. The most common choice are the so-called “tops”. This position may cause discomfort due to the aggressive curvature of the bars.
RDBs offer 3 main hand positions – tops, hoods and drops.
Tops
The tops are the least aggressive and put you in an upright stance reducing the stress on the back.
This hand placement is good for casual riding as well as taking an active brake after a sprint. The downside is that the brakes are far away unless you are using in-line brake levers.
Hoods
The brake-levers of road bikes are installed on the upper curves of the handlebars and provide a hand position known as “the hoods”.
The hoods are the main hand placement because they give quick-access to the brakes as well as the shifters.
Drops
The drops allow you to get low and assume a more aerodynamic position.
So, RDBs offer 3 main hand positions whereas PDBs have only 1.
Of course, you can also grab the curves and the sections near them, but those hand placements aren’t official and thus won’t be comfortable for everyone.
SDBs are the clear winners when it comes to hand comfort.
Note: It’s possible to add one more hand placement to pista bars by installing a real set of brake levers or a fake one (dummies).
Width
The average pista bars are 37.5cm wide whereas road drops are at least 40cm.
PDBs are made narrower to increase the aerodynamics of the bike. The decreased drag comes at a price – discomfort.
Sprinting
Both models allow you to effectively sprint in the drops. However, RDBs equipped with brake-levers make it possible to sprint from the hoods too.
It’s difficult to conclude which model is better for sprinting. Most of the time, it comes down to personal preference.
Climbing
Drop bars are superior for climbing thanks to their extra width (more leverage) and the greater number of hand positions.
Most people will find climbing in the hoods of drop bars more comfortable than doing so in the drops of pista bars.
If the climb isn’t aggressive, it’s also possible to hold the tops and pedal in a lower gear.
Riding Visibility
RDBs offer greater riding visibility by encouraging you to use the hoods and the tops and thus assume a more vertical angle. Those positions make it easier to see and be seen.
Conversely, PDBs offer a very aggressive default position which makes you shorter and thus less visible.
The cyclist’s view is compromised due to neck fatigue too. When the neck muscles get exhausted from the aero position, you start looking down more frequently to reduce muscle fatigue and numbness.
Brakes
RDBs are built for brakes whereas PDBs bars aren’t. Track bikes do not use brakes to save weight and make slowing down in a race group more predictable. The only way to slow down is to resist the rotation of the pedals.
Subsequently, pista drop bars are not designed with brake hoods in mind. This complicates the use of brake-shifters. I
You can install small brake levers on the top portion of the bars, but this method makes the brakes inaccessible from the drops and limits the real estate of the handlebars.
Installation of Accessories
The narrowness and design of PDBs greatly limit the space that can be used for accessories such as lights and bike computers.
Road bike drop bars are superior in that regard and give plenty of options. For example, you can install a light and phone holder near the stem and still be able to use the flat part of the bars.
Aesthetics
This point is highly subjective, but many people consider pista drop bars more aesthetically pleasing than drop bars when installed on a fixed-gear or a track bike.
Options and Prices
RDBs are more popular. Consequently, the market is fully saturated with all kinds of models.
In different, PDBs are more specialized. Don’t be surprised if you can’t find one at your local bike shop. The price for base models is higher.
Summary
| Comparison Points | Pista Drop Bars | Standard Drop Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Main Hand Positions | 1 | 3 |
| Width | Narrower | Wider |
| Aero | Winner | Loser |
| Shifters & Brake Levers | Loser | Winner |
| Accessories | Limited Space | Sufficient Space |
| Availability | Low | High |
| Comfort | Loser | Winner |
| Aesthetics | Fixed-gear | Road |
Final Words
PDBs offer the strongest performance when used on track bikes ridden on the velodrome.
When installed on fixed-gear bikes serving as commuters or recreational bikes, they show many of their negative sides (poor ergonomics, narrowness…etc.).
RDBs are better for riders who seek comfort and efficiency over aesthetics. Unless you’re riding a track bike or want a fixie that looks authentic, you’re better off with drop bars.
Until next time,
Rookie
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