Brave New Velo is a journal documenting the progress of building a new Soma Smoothie bicycle and the experience of such an endeavor for the first time. Thoughts, discoveries, trials and tribulations will be shared.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Dropped: Deda Newton Anatomic Handlebar

Other than a few rides on other people's bikes I haven't ridden with an anatomic handlebar...regularly. Classic drops never fit my hand quite right so I think it's time I give this style a go. The market features so many varied models that there was only so much research I could do to feel sufficiently informed on this selection before being overwhelmed by all of the choices. Carbon was never an option so that easily narrowed the candidates down. In the sea of black handlebars I was hoping to find something like the shiny chrome of yore. There are classic steel bars still in production but I'd like to avoid those and stay with a lighter option. As it turns out Deda makes a couple of attractive aluminum models with a polished finish. The Speciale is polished silver with the classic Italian drop, which would be perfect but I've decided I prefer an anatomic design. The Newton is anatomic, comes in a dark polished version and is a slim 210 grams (I'm not a weight weenie but I am trying to reasonably curb grams where I can). Its featherweight is quite surprising. I don't want a bar with a deep drop, nor too shallow either, and this model meets that in-the-middle specification. Although from holding it I can tell there is very little vertical room to slide the hands, which I hope will not feel too restricting when I'm on the road. Crossing fingers. The short reach aspect of the design is a plus though. I don't have small hands, but I do want very easy access to the levers and not feel like I'm having to overextend my fingers. All part of the anatomic fit. Overall I find this bar well tailored to my needs and I'm looking forward to putting it to the test.