Flat or Riser bars for '07 Epic Marathon?

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Coming from a 14-year old (pre-front suspension geometry) mountain bike, what is the deal with riser bars? The 640mm carbon bar that came on the Marathon seem WAY to wide for me (it's a medium), and I feel like I'm constantly trying to avoid racking the ends on trees while riding. What I'd like to know is what are the advantages of a riser bar, and if I switch it to flat, what will the changes in handling characteristics be?

Thanks in advance!

J\V

The 640mm carbon bar that came on the Marathon seem WAY to wide for me (it's a medium), and I feel like I'm constantly trying to avoid racking the ends on trees while riding.
If you prefer a shorter bar, why not just cut the ends off to make it your desired width.

What I'd like to know is what are the advantages of a riser bar, and if I switch it to flat, what will the changes in handling characteristics be?
Riser bars provide a higher ride and more relaxed riding position. Riser bars give more stability on steeper downhill terrain, but aren't so good for steep climbs. Flat bars give you a more aggressive riding position over the front wheel.

Thanks for the input. Specialized told my LBS that the S-Works carbon bar should not be cut, which I thought was odd. It's a pretty reputable shop, so I trust what they're telling me.

Thanks for the input. Specialized told my LBS that the S-Works carbon bar should not be cut, which I thought was odd. It's a pretty reputable shop, so I trust what they're telling me.
I, too, think it is odd. If anything, making the bar shorter should strengthen it. My guess is they want you to buy a new bar rather than modify the one you have. But what do I know? Maybe Specialized has changed the laws of physics by inventing a strange, new, carbon fiber weave.

I'd go out on a limb and do this:
http://www.eastonbike.com/downloadable_files_unprotected/r&d_files/R&D-05-Carbon.pdf

I, too, think it is odd. If anything, making the bar shorter should strengthen it. My guess is they want you to buy a new bar rather than modify the one you have. But what do I know? Maybe Specialized has changed the laws of physics by inventing a strange, new, carbon fiber weave.

I'd go out on a limb and do this:
http://www.eastonbike.com/downloadable_files_unprotected/r&d_files/R&D-05-Carbon.pdf

Thanks for that link. I wonder why you couldn't cut them with a table or band saw? Seems like the cut would be cleaner, though maybe not at the end.

Just a thought, but maybe the bars are reinforced where the brakes and shifters clamp and cutting them will move the levers inboard.

Just a thought, but maybe the bars are reinforced where the brakes and shifters clamp and cutting them will move the levers inboard.

My LBS replaced the riser bar with the S-Works XC flat carbon bar, and the paperwork in the box do indeed give instructions for cutting. I would assume the riser bar is similar (and can be cut), although there is no way to know for sure without the directions for that specific bar, which I do not think came with the bike.