Bicycle Mechanics - Any tips on installing carbon handlebars?

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jazzplr
08-25-03, 06:03 PM
Hi, everyone, just picked an Answer Protaper carbon riser handlebar for my '03' GF Sugar 3+ and was wondering if anyone had tips on the do's and don'ts of installation? Any help would be greatly appreciated as always...:D Thanks

KleinMp99
08-25-03, 06:08 PM
Dont scratch, definately dont over tighten.....when the brakes and shifters are snug.....leave them at that.
khuon
08-25-03, 06:10 PM
In addition to what KleinMp99 said, you also want to make sure you load your stem's faceplate evenly (assuming you're using an open-face stem). Also, feel the edges of all the clamping mechanisms and make sure there are no burrs. File them down if there are.

threadend
08-25-03, 06:48 PM
Hi, everyone, just picked an Answer Protaper carbon riser handlebar for my '03' GF Sugar 3+ and was wondering if anyone had tips on the do's and don'ts of installation?

DON'T install them on your bike, DO install them on mine :D
jazzplr
08-28-03, 10:16 AM
Thanks everyone, I installed them and they are sweet. The first thing I noticed was the handling and then vibration absorbtion. Sweet..............:D
cowdotpat
08-29-03, 05:59 AM
hi jazzplr,

glad you like them. I got some easton composit bars and there is some info on their website about installation and maintenance. I emailed them to ask about using hairspray on the grips in case it might attack the resin. They said it should be quite resistant to hair spray solvent which is more likely to attack the grips. The guy who replied said be personally used liquid glass cleaner. I ended up using ODI lock ons which may not have been the best choice in some respects but so far so good. What did you use?
khuon
08-29-03, 12:57 PM
Originally posted by cowdotpat
I ended up using ODI lock ons which may not have been the best choice in some respects but so far so good. What did you use?

I was told that Easton does not approve of using ODI Lock-Ons with their CF bars but haven't heard of any catastrophic failure reports due to it. I have considered the ODIs for my CT2 flatbar but decided against them due to what Easton told me. I wonder if it's the clamp design creating a stress riser. And I wonder if too many people overtighten them or something. I know Easton also has a similar warning about specific clamp style of some bar-ends.