Originally Posted by lhbernhardt

My experience has been that carbon bars make no difference. Carbon bars are made with a wider diameter than traditional aluminum bars, making them just as stiff if not stiffer, although today just about all handlebars come in a 31.8mm center width rather than the older 26.8mm.

Because you tape over the bars, you're now hiding potential damage which could result in sudden catastrophic failure. If you crash on the carbon bars, it might be a good idea to inspect the bare carbon when you retape the bars. But then, aluminum bars could also fail catastrophically. Years ago, I once made the mistake of drilling holes in a set of alu bars so I could run internal brake cables. Of course, the holes formed stress risers, and guess where the bars snapped?

For the longest time, I understand that pro's were sticking with alu bars. But I'm seeing more carbon bars being used by pro's now, even on the track. But then the pro's get new equipment every season.

I've used/am using carbon bars, but the last bars I bought were aluminum. I think carbon forks provide more resilience, as does going to a wider tire.

Luis