Great Lakes - YIKES! Broken Handle Bar

I'm not going to go into any details yet because I need to see about warranty issues first.

During the ride on Saturday I started to hear loud creeking when I pedaled hard, over 400 watts. I checked the bike out when I got home and found a very loose cd bottle cage and thought that could have been it.

Well, today I got my new SRAM Red brifters so began installing them. Pull the tape off and ... SH****T! Cracked CF. This is a big crack and goes nearly 3/4 around the bar. I'll post pictures later but want to get the issue resolved with the manufacturer first.

I am out for tonight unless I bring my 8,000 lb commuter bike. I may try it just for grins but you guys have to promise not to make me pull and you'll all by me beers afterward. :beer:

Half an aluminum bar came off in my hand one time. It's scary stuff.

You should still come out.

Honestly CC - this is why I never recommend carbon stems or bars. They are usually heavier than AL and have a much higher frequency of anecdotal failure.

FWIW - most pro riders still run with AL bars and stems for this reason.

AL is lighter, cheaper, and more durable. Kind of a no-brainer - take that Keith Bontrager!

EDIT: As Recursive pointed out AL does not mean it won't fail eitehr, but ask yourself how many failures with AL you hear about compared to carbon bars.

CC, definitely come out tonight. I want to ride, but not at 21mph. I saw the orthopedic doc today and he said i can still ride, but to just take it easy...

SpinDoctors tossed me a loner bar. I'm putting it back together as I type.