General Cycling Discussion - Roadbike Handlebars - Carbon vs. Aluminum

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Elmog
08-07-11, 01:06 PM
What advantages, besides weight, does a carbon bar have over an aluminum bar? Does the carbon bar make a big difference in comfort? Or is it just a pricey doodad to show off? I'm trying to relieve a bit of shoulder discomfort that shows up after about an hour of riding. My bike has a carbon fork and 25 width tires which do help, and if a carbon bar is better for comfort I may start shopping for one. What say ye?

globecanvas
08-07-11, 01:26 PM
I have the same model bars on two bikes, one in carbon, one in alloy. When in the drops, the alloy bars feel more rigid, which I happen to prefer. I can't feel any difference on the hoods or the tops.

For comfort, I think good gel bar tape will make a bigger difference than the bar material, and is way cheaper too.
Nightshade
08-08-11, 11:32 AM
What advantages, besides weight, does a carbon bar have over an aluminum bar? Does the carbon bar make a big difference in comfort? Or is it just a pricey doodad to show off? I'm trying to relieve a bit of shoulder discomfort that shows up after about an hour of riding. My bike has a carbon fork and 25 width tires which do help, and if a carbon bar is better for comfort I may start shopping for one. What say ye?

It's not the material that the bars are made of that you need to change it's......A.) your riding posture or B.) the bars configuration.....that needs to change if you expect any relief from pain.

Elmog
08-08-11, 07:00 PM
Thanks for the responses. My seat is already level with the handlebar so I'm fishing for other solutions. Everyone says that carbon is so great at soaking up the road imperfections that I thought I'd throw the idea out there and see if it may have made a difference for someone else.
Northwestrider
08-08-11, 07:06 PM
I don't think shoulder discomfort will be helped by carbon bars. Wrist discomfort could be helped as there shape and width can be made differently. You may wish to raise your handle bars a bit. The more upright position may help your shoulder.
Nightshade
08-09-11, 11:53 AM
I don't think shoulder discomfort will be helped by carbon bars. Wrist discomfort could be helped as there shape and width can be made differently. You may wish to raise your handle bars a bit. The more upright position may help your shoulder.

What I tried gently to hint at doing. Riding more upright.