Mountain Biking - Carbon vs Ti handlebars

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Carbon vs Ti handlebars

Rich
06-14-02, 02:45 AM
Hi Guys,

I've recently switched from Ti handle bars to carbon (mainly because I was interested in the material) but I found yesterday that my wrists were aching after the ride.

Now, I'm not so sure if it's the material, as I figured that Carbon has good shock absorbing properties, but there is a 3 degree bend in the carbon bars, and my Ti ones were zero degree bend.

Could this be the cause of my achey wrists?

Cheers

Rich

Rotifer
06-14-02, 10:49 AM
After watching a fastidious LBS owner friend of mine snap a carbon bar on a decent (ugly :eek: ) I've been leery of them. Sorry, just a heads up.
Rich
06-17-02, 02:54 AM
Cheers Jeff,

I'll keep an eye on it...was your friend ok?

Rich :(

Rotifer
06-17-02, 09:28 AM
He was fine, bruised his ego though. :)
a2psyklnut
06-17-02, 12:28 PM
I read an article a couple years ago about the impact testing and drop testing that Easton performs on their products. Their Carbon Fiber bars outperformed most aluminum products. I can't remember the month or magazine, but I think it was MBA.

I think it's a matter of buying a quality product and not abusing it.

L8R
MichaelW
06-17-02, 03:45 PM
Do these ultra-light bars come with external shims. You can drop test a bar all you like under lab conditions, but if you score it near the centre at the stem fitting, it will snap pretty soon.
Rotifer
06-17-02, 04:03 PM
The bars my friend stocked in his shop are (were?) made by Klein. I love the look and weight of carbon, however, there are so many other things to worry about while mountain biking who wants to mess with it? Road is a different matter, though what happens after a hard crash? Do you have to replace your forks if they are scratched? Now I'm curious roadies.
*WildHare*
06-17-02, 05:21 PM
To answer your question regarding the pain...I would definately say it's the change in bend angle. I had some profile carbon bars for awhile and they did flex a bit...So shock absorption really shouldn't be an issue.
Rich
06-18-02, 02:33 AM
Cheers for the advice guys :D

I guess I'll have to get used to the bend in the bars....I'll suffer it :)

To answer your question Michael, the bars do come with shims, but I don't think I'd ever chance barends on them.

Cheers

Rich http://www.cyberradio2000.com/images/dancinggirl.gif