Originally Posted by
hairnet
over 11000 miles, I guess just Al fatigue. But I'm curious how that works out for racers that pile on the miles. Do you tug on your bars a lot?
I'm no racer but I do tug on the bars when climbing. I'm heavy so I guess I apply a fair amount of torque.
Originally Posted by
coldfeet
Personally, I find this unacceptable.
I would love to know about any follow up.
Lesson learned and accident was not serious (but couple others who posted not so lucky). I guess AL frames outlive AL bars. I'm not sure I have anything to follow up on but I'll talk to LBS next week and perhaps shoot Specialized an email.
Originally Posted by
CB HI
+1 on Al fatigue. Too many cyclist want the lightest bikes possible and the manufacturer's have responded. So it is just as much our own fault that new bars do not take the stresses and vibrations the old bars did.
I was much luckier than the top posters, mine broke while I was stopped at a red light.
Just replace the bar and start doing more frequent and detailed inspections (especially any Al parts).
I would like to have the lightest bikes for the price (my Allez is bottom-of-the-range) but be strong. For example I'm not interested in buying a frame where I cant lean on the top-tube (sometimes I like to watch the RC plane races while leaning on TT). I figured I'd keep this bike for some time any only change parts that wear out. It didn't occur to me the bar would wear out. I felt softness at the bar but figured it's just me getting stronger.
Originally Posted by
whitecat
Most manufacturers have time limits for replacing Al parts. For instance, Felt recommends exchanging your Al handlebars at least every two years of active riding. I guess that has to do something with your experience. Or rather, to avoid your experience. Anyway, Al handlebars are expendable, and I personally change them every year to two at max, never had a problem that way.
Yeah that's what I'll be doing from now. I cant afford to have accidents especially if they could be prevented. That's one of the reasons I coast downhill and dont get to really high speeds.