Waiting on new bars
#1
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Waiting on new bars
In my continuing quest for comfort, and getting rid of numb fingers, I've ordered an FSA wing bar for my Giant....alloy version not the carbon. My recent fitting didn't quite help out with this issue however I heard good experiences from a fellow rider yesterday during a shop ride. So, I hope to be trying these out at the end of the week.
First upgrade on the OCR.....these have got to be better than the OEM bars!
Sheldon
First upgrade on the OCR.....these have got to be better than the OEM bars!
Sheldon
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#2
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Just to check, have you tried going back to all basic stuff (no gel gloves, no fat bar tape, no oversized bars, etc.)? I had trouble with pressure and numbness on my hands when I recently got back into riding. After trying Campy and Shimano brifters, gel gloves, padded tape, and multiple hand positions, going back to a basic glove with a standard bar (3TTT Forgie fwiw) solved the problem.
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#3
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Just to check, have you tried going back to all basic stuff (no gel gloves, no fat bar tape, no oversized bars, etc.)? I had trouble with pressure and numbness on my hands when I recently got back into riding. After trying Campy and Shimano brifters, gel gloves, padded tape, and multiple hand positions, going back to a basic glove with a standard bar (3TTT Forgie fwiw) solved the problem.
Sheldon
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#4
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the new bike I got came with the FSA wing bars, alloy version. I was a lil iffy when I saw them on the bike, but DAMN they are comfy when riding on the tops up hills. I'm sure you'll like them as well
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#5
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So when I got to the LBS today to order them, what do you know, the staff is looking over a set of carbon bars that got mashed into a garage door. So glad I went with the alloy.
Anyhow, thanks for the vote of confidence...makes me feel better about the purchase!
Sheldon
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#6
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I really like flat top ergo bars. I have had an Easton EC-70 and now a Deda Electra flat top bar.
I feel that the flat tops are far more comfortable however I am not sure if it will solve your problem with numbness or not. Time will tell.
Alloy vs Carbon .... Some people say carbon bars soak up more road vibration (as with carbon frames, forks, etc.) therefore giving a more comfortable ride. Personally I have found carbon bars to be stiffer due to the lay up. Does this negate the road vibration claim? Who knows... My Easton EC-70 bars met a truck at a combined 30 Mph speed and broke cleanly at a lug joint. I was actually really surprised at how well they did though. The bars took the brunt of the hit and probably saved more of the left side of my body.
I would suggest having the flat tops wrapped over with bar tape. Some people leave them unwrapped however I have found it to be uncomfortable and even slippery that way. You can always shorten the bar tape if you wish later on.
I feel that the flat tops are far more comfortable however I am not sure if it will solve your problem with numbness or not. Time will tell.
Alloy vs Carbon .... Some people say carbon bars soak up more road vibration (as with carbon frames, forks, etc.) therefore giving a more comfortable ride. Personally I have found carbon bars to be stiffer due to the lay up. Does this negate the road vibration claim? Who knows... My Easton EC-70 bars met a truck at a combined 30 Mph speed and broke cleanly at a lug joint. I was actually really surprised at how well they did though. The bars took the brunt of the hit and probably saved more of the left side of my body.
I would suggest having the flat tops wrapped over with bar tape. Some people leave them unwrapped however I have found it to be uncomfortable and even slippery that way. You can always shorten the bar tape if you wish later on.
#7
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I'm going to have the bars fully wrapped, as you suggested. Whether it helps with the hands, who knows. Of course, with the new bars, my position on the bike changes so the fitting I just did is compromised! So, I'll have the shop check me over after everything is put together.
Sheldon
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#8
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Have them measure your current settings before they take the old bar off. Then they can install the new bar and restore those settings....
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#10
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If you need any help let me know... I have pretty much a full shop set up in my garage...
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Love to hear that! I worked so darn hard trying to decide between carbon and alloy...reading all these threads. Went with the alloy because the price is so much less plus I was concerned about what happens when you even so much as fall over with a carbon bar (like at a stoplight!).
So when I got to the LBS today to order them, what do you know, the staff is looking over a set of carbon bars that got mashed into a garage door. So glad I went with the alloy.
Anyhow, thanks for the vote of confidence...makes me feel better about the purchase!
Sheldon
So when I got to the LBS today to order them, what do you know, the staff is looking over a set of carbon bars that got mashed into a garage door. So glad I went with the alloy.
Anyhow, thanks for the vote of confidence...makes me feel better about the purchase!
Sheldon
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#12
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I've been riding the FSA wings for a couple of years (carbon) and really like them, however, it did take a while to get the flat oriented right at first (they came with the bike)....
Also, at first I had the LBS leave the flat unwrapped but changed my mind, it's now mostly wrapped fwiw.
I've often thought about the fact that my bike has Carbon forks, carbon bars...even the steerer and drop-outs are carbon, but 4K miles later everything seems to be intact...
Also, at first I had the LBS leave the flat unwrapped but changed my mind, it's now mostly wrapped fwiw.
I've often thought about the fact that my bike has Carbon forks, carbon bars...even the steerer and drop-outs are carbon, but 4K miles later everything seems to be intact...
#14
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Sheldon
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So get fitted and try new bars, BUT, don't get discouraged. You may find that the problem disappears as suddenly as it came.
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I've been riding the FSA wings for a couple of years (carbon) and really like them, however, it did take a while to get the flat oriented right at first (they came with the bike)....
Also, at first I had the LBS leave the flat unwrapped but changed my mind, it's now mostly wrapped fwiw.
I've often thought about the fact that my bike has Carbon forks, carbon bars...even the steerer and drop-outs are carbon, but 4K miles later everything seems to be intact...
Also, at first I had the LBS leave the flat unwrapped but changed my mind, it's now mostly wrapped fwiw.
I've often thought about the fact that my bike has Carbon forks, carbon bars...even the steerer and drop-outs are carbon, but 4K miles later everything seems to be intact...