Originally Posted by
killa
What, specifically for steerer/stem/bar connection? And with current/modern bars and bits having a particular extra grippy area of contact between components there's less need for pastes.
Actually, it was really driven by slipping seatposts but the manufacturers (Tacx, Finish Line) also suggested it for stems and bars (steerers not so much) and that would apply to ANY stem and carbon bar.
I agree that many newer bars have textured clamp areas, which is a great help, but it does rub off over time. Paste is prudent for this junction but not as crucial as it was previously.
I still use it regardless.