GCN Tech Clinic: Bike Handlebar Width, Hydraulic Brakes & Frame Stiffness

In the first GCN Tech Clinic of 2024, Ollie Bridgewood takes a look through your latest tech questions. We also have some valuable insights about waxed chains and colder climates from one of our fantastic community members, as well as insight into whether stiffer is always better. Be sure to read on to find out more...

Reader top tip

We get a lot of questions about chain wax here at GCN. The trend of waxing your chain instead of applying an oil-based lubricant has measured benefits regarding drivetrain longevity and efficiency. One of our lovely viewers has written in with a top tip regarding the use of wax in the winter.

The thermal properties of chain wax can mean that the frozen temperatures of winter can affect the performance of the coating as it can freeze. Not only will this cause issues with its lubricating properties but it can also mean that any abrasive forces on the chain could remove the wax coating altogether. Fortunately, for us here in the UK, winters are mild enough for this not to be an issue but for riders in northern Europe or North America, this could be something worth considering through the colder months.

Can you polish scratches out of a titanium frame?

One of the beauties of a titanium frame is that it can be polished and refurbished as and when it develops cosmetic scratches. Be sure to use some dedicated metal polish and work on the area over time. If the scratches are only small it might not be worth polishing them out at all. See them more as the scars of adventures past as they have no effect on the integrity or performance of the frame.

How much does frame stiffness actually matter to the average cyclist?

If you are financially pressed and need to make a decision between investing in a super stiff carbon fibre frame or a set of stiff wheels we would always pick the wheels. Wheel stiffness is far more tangible out on a ride than frame stiffness. Sure, a frame that is less stiff will not be as efficient and will cost you a few watts. However, the stiffness of a wheelset will be incredibly noticeable as you gain confidence and start pushing on through corners and sprinting out of the saddle.

Stiffness is one of the design characteristics of a bike that needs to be optimised rather than maximised. There is such a thing as having a frame that is too stiff. A very stiff frame will be very efficient in its power transfer from rider to road but at the cost of comfort and control. Stiff frames can feel skittish and harsher than a more compliant frame.

I am having issues with Shimano Ultegra R8050 hydraulic disc brakes: what could the issues be?

If you're having multiple and repetitive problems with the brakes, the unfortunate truth is that it's likely to be something wrong with the bleeding process. One of the things to check is the length of the hoses and that they haven't accidentally become kinked as this will cause a loss in braking performance. The other places to double-check are the connection points at both ends of the hose, at the calliper and lever.

Making sure the hose has the correct fitments and has been torqued correctly would be the first port of call. Any places for air to enter the system will compromise the performance. If everywhere else looks good then popping the pads out and checking the integrity of the pistons is something else to check.

If I have very wide shoulders does that mean that I need to use equally wide handlebars?

The typical rule of thumb is to fit bars that are relatively similar in width to your shoulders. The rationale behind allowing your arms to sit in a more neutral position is to put less stress on your neck and shoulders. The best approach is to find a bar that works for you. Running a slightly narrower bar is better than running a bar that is too wide.

A narrow bar can allow you to maintain a healthy wrist position rather than causing increased flexion on the wrist. A slightly wider bar can be more comfortable for long rides and can give you more control so long as they are comfortable and allow a neutral wrist position.

If you have any tech-related questions that you need answering, head over to this week’s Tech Clinic video on the GCN Tech YouTube channel and add your question to the comments along with #ASKGCNTECH. Or leave your question in the comments below!

Oliver Bridgewood

GCN Tech Presenter

PhD Chemist turned cycling enthusiast, bringing the lab coat to GCN Does Science