Carbon Bars - Real Benefit or Hype?
06-29-06, 09:35 AM
#1
xc AND road
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 503
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Carbon Bars - Real Benefit or Hype?
There doesn't seem to be much difference in weight.
Is stiffness and/or ride quality that much better than a good alloy bar?
Is stiffness and/or ride quality that much better than a good alloy bar?
06-29-06, 10:01 AM
#3
Space for rent!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lincoln NE
Posts: 632
Bikes: Colnago Dream B-Stay, Trek Mountain Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have carbon bars now, Cinelli Ram. If I were to build another bike would I have to have carbon bars? No. I've had no problems with them, but for the cost I can't sit here and tell you that there are perceivable benefits over alloy that would justify the cost of carbon bars. IMHO
06-29-06, 10:44 AM
#4
Quarq shill
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,962
Bikes: 08 Felt F4, 05 Fuji Team SL, 08 Planet X Stealth, 10 Kona Jake the Snake, 03 Giant OCR flat bar.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The weight savings is in your wallet.
06-29-06, 10:49 AM
#5
Cat None
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 4,508
Bikes: LOOK KG 461, LeMond Zurich, Giant Talon 29er 0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a bike with carbon bars and one with aluminum. I don't notice any difference between the two other than the dent the carbon bars make in your wallet.
06-29-06, 10:59 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Ft Mill, SC
Posts: 1,170
Bikes: Parlee Z4, Storck C1.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I guess my question is this....
The flex that you get in aluminum bars (like when you go over several bumps in the drops): Is that improved with carbon bars, or is that more of a function of the stem? I know for a fact the impact of a stem, as I went from a Profile Design 2 bolt to a Thomson Elite and it was night and day.
The flex that you get in aluminum bars (like when you go over several bumps in the drops): Is that improved with carbon bars, or is that more of a function of the stem? I know for a fact the impact of a stem, as I went from a Profile Design 2 bolt to a Thomson Elite and it was night and day.
06-29-06, 11:13 AM
#7
Slow'n'Aero
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Driving the pace in the crosswind
Posts: 2,599
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Carbon bars damp some vibration, but the risks inherant to having them on a bike are far too great (handlebars almost always strike the ground full force in the event of a wreck). The weight savings is simply not worth it.
06-29-06, 11:17 AM
#8
At War With Myself
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 142
Bikes: Trek 1200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by DrWJODonnell
Carbon bars damp some vibration, but the risks inherant to having them on a bike are far too great (handlebars almost always strike the ground full force in the event of a wreck). The weight savings is simply not worth it.
I think this point is valid. Think about it, you have a clipless pedal "moment" and you go over. If the bars got damaged it would be very sad to replace them.
06-29-06, 11:19 AM
#9
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 14
Bikes: Specialized Allez, Roubaix, & Rockhopper
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My bike came with a carbon bar. I can't say if it's more comfortable or not. I also have a bike with an aluminum bar, but there's too many other variables to compare the two head to head (frame material, wheelset, fork etc.). What I do know is that this manufacturer reccomends replacing the carbon bar every three seasons, just because of the nature of the part, and the abuse that it takes. When that time comes, I'll put an aluminum one on. Like I said, it came on my bike when I bought it, otherwise I probably wouldn't have one at all.
06-29-06, 12:15 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Annandale, VA
Posts: 975
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love my carbon bars (C's RAM and Deda Alanera), but I race on my Deda Newton. I think those bars are really comfortable, and my hands really appreciate it.
06-29-06, 12:47 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SoCal Baby
Posts: 2,137
Bikes: o5 Specilized roubaix Comp, 06 Tequilo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
My bike is all carbon. Bars, cranks, frame,fork, seat post,steering tube. I ride nearly every day. I train very hard 4 days a week. It is on a staionary trainer 2 days a week. I race on Sundays. I have racked it on my car going to races, I have dropped it, I have dumped it, I have crashed it very hard. I am beat to sh**t but the bike is in perfect working condition.
06-29-06, 12:47 PM
#13
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,558
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 2,175 Times
in
1,466 Posts
I have Deda Newton bars. I tried CF and couldn't tell one bit of difference. This included a set from the LBS and two different friends bars. I expected a noticable difference in damping and feel but couldn't tell one bit between any and the Al alloy ones.
06-29-06, 12:51 PM
#14
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I went from a 25.4 alloy to 31.8 carbon-noticible effect on vibration, much better ergonomics, much stiffer in the right directions, but plush to absorb road bumps-best upgrade.
I have personally snapped an aluminum bar in the past-they can fail just as well as carbon if they are cracked.
I have personally snapped an aluminum bar in the past-they can fail just as well as carbon if they are cracked.
06-29-06, 01:28 PM
#15
Senior Member
I'm using a Deda Newton on an otherwise all carbon bike. I just couldn't justify the cost of carbon bars for no weight difference.
06-29-06, 05:19 PM
#16
UberClydesdale
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 194
Bikes: Klein,Panasonic
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ahaa, but you guys forget...they look very cool. There are some decent carbon bars for around $150 (FSA K-Force).
06-29-06, 06:11 PM
#17
Hamburger Pimp
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hell of the North
Posts: 576
Bikes: BMC SLT O1 Team Full Record, Kuips SuperNova Ultegra & DuraAce, Rocky Mountain Team Scandium full XTR w sids & dope parts, Guerciotti Khaybar Full Record.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have Cinelli Rams on my Orange Pinarello and had The Deda Newton aluminum stem and bar combo on my Prime Alliance Pinarello and I thought that the Rams were WAAAAYYYYY more comfy on the flats and in the drops. I also have some ITM aluminum bars on my steel Merckx and they are also not as sweet feeling as the Rams. I believe it has more to do with the stem than the bars, as I had an FSA carbon K-wing last year with a Newton stem and it was rough like a full aluminum.
06-30-06, 05:12 AM
#18
Over the hill
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 24,376
Bikes: Giant Defy, Giant Revolt
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 998 Post(s)
Liked 1,206 Times
in
692 Posts
Originally Posted by Motophoto
Ahaa, but you guys forget...they look very cool.
06-30-06, 06:27 AM
#19
Semper Fidelis
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,000
Bikes: Tiemeyer Road Bike & Ridley Domicles
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
got carbon bars on both bikes my waterford 2200 and my trek 5.9 madone.
the only difference is somewhat more dampening.
Would I buy carbon bars again, NO.
Aluminium is less and works just as good
the only difference is somewhat more dampening.
Would I buy carbon bars again, NO.
Aluminium is less and works just as good
06-30-06, 06:49 AM
#20
Space for rent!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lincoln NE
Posts: 632
Bikes: Colnago Dream B-Stay, Trek Mountain Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Motophoto
Ahaa, but you guys forget...they look very cool. There are some decent carbon bars for around $150 (FSA K-Force).
06-30-06, 08:17 AM
#21
Hoosier Pedaler
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,432
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I prefer aluminum bars. Not only are they less expensive but they are also stronger and lighter.
06-30-06, 08:34 AM
#22
your god hates me
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,592
Bikes: 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1252 Post(s)
Liked 1,284 Times
in
709 Posts
Originally Posted by curiouskid55
My bike is all carbon. Bars, cranks, frame,fork, seat post,steering tube. I ride nearly every day. I train very hard 4 days a week. It is on a staionary trainer 2 days a week. I race on Sundays. I have racked it on my car going to races, I have dropped it, I have dumped it, I have crashed it very hard. I am beat to sh**t but the bike is in perfect working condition.
Okay, I'll bite: what kind of bike do you have? Got any pics?
