Mountain Biking - 31.8 handle bar comments?

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sheep
02-21-06, 08:14 PM
is there any advantage on 31.8 handle bar ?
Any comments pros/cons with it?

I weight 140lbs 5'7", ride all mountain trials.
using EA70 + thompson at the moment.

would there any difference(stiffness) if i change to 31.8?
target: 06' EC70 XC+thompson(31.8)

any comments are welcomed.

alcahueteria
02-21-06, 08:18 PM
I don't think you'd notice a difference. But maybe, it'd be slight, unless your a pretty serious racer.
mx_599
02-21-06, 08:35 PM
but they look pretty phat!!http://www.observedtrials.net/vb/images/smilie/bigthumb.gif
i have one and just like the security look of it. its just on my XC bike so i know it wasn't necessary

MattP.
02-21-06, 09:54 PM
I switched from a 25.4 to a 31.8 a little while ago, just because I wanted a shorter stem and my friend offered me one+handlebar for cheap :) I don't think there is a difference (like mx said) except it looks beefier, and you have just that much more security.
The Selector
02-21-06, 10:02 PM
bigger is better I hear
sheep
02-22-06, 09:50 AM
so 31.8 is kind of marketing gimmick? really no advantage over 25.4?
the reason is i need to replace with a slightly longer stem...
Maelstrom
02-22-06, 10:04 AM
If you are hucking huge or racings and are a big guy, I don't see the point. I ride a standard bar and have never had issues.

At your size, unless you buy it for looks, you will see no difference in performance, longevity or breaking point at all.
cryptid01
02-22-06, 10:20 AM
If you are hucking huge or racings and are a big guy, I don't see the point. I ride a standard bar and have never had issues.

At your size, unless you buy it for looks, you will see no difference in performance, longevity or breaking point at all.

I agree. I have both sizes, and don't notice any appreciable difference.
MarkD
02-22-06, 10:22 AM
I find they limit the adjustment of your shifters for comfort. I have LX dual control levers and I cant have them tilted as forward as I would like and I cant move them towards the centre of the bar either. They might work better with another tyoe of brake/shifter combo.
Apart from that they are ok.
mx_599
02-22-06, 12:20 PM
so 31.8 is kind of marketing gimmick? really no advantage over 25.4?
the reason is i need to replace with a slightly longer stem...
no no. its not a gimmick. its just that a lot of us have them even though we don't technically NEED them. but i won't give mine up!!! :p
The Selector
02-22-06, 12:27 PM
I prefer the oversized ones after bending the regular ones a few times
sheep
02-22-06, 01:05 PM
so... will 31.8 handle bar have a better chance to survive under the same impact force(when crashing)then 25.4?

actually my old 2002 EA70 where slightly bend backward(probably 1-2degree)... and i am thinking to replace the new 31.8 CNT monkeylite XC while i can replace a longer stem at the same time.
The Selector
02-22-06, 02:45 PM
yeah they are stronger

i like truvativ's bars... a lot