Hey all...this is my very first post - please forgive me if I am covering a noob topic (did a search first!)
Ok...I have a small Giant OCR-1 compact geometry road frame. Love it, the frame is: stiff, responsive, good climber, cost was reasonably cheap (frame only), and did I say stiff? I have some carbon bits to soften the ride but would like a little more relief from road vibration (live in CNY, which = BAD roads). I currently have a full carbon fork and carbon seat post. I am looking to get a new stem, handlebar, and saddle. I was wondering if anyone could provide some advice...
1) STEM: magnesium or carbon or ti ? Which one provides more vibration dampening? Full carbon monocoque (ie, Easton EC90, ITM Uniko, etc) or carbon over alu wrap (ie, supergo, Easton EC70, etc.) - differences?
2) HANDLEBAR: Shallowest drop and shortest reach available in a full carbon drop bar? The shallowest/shortest combo I've found is the Modolo Curvissima KX Carbon
(found here) I currently have the Ritchey BioMax II which sports a reach of 75 and drop of 130.
3) SADDLE: Carbon or mag or ti rails? Again, which provides the best virbration dampening? For the most part, have only used ti railed - so no way to compare to others. I like the looong rails of some of the Fizik models and am considering the Aliante or Arione.
I am 5'4" and prefer a short cockpit (was a messenger and still ride like that around town
)....so, outside of getting custom parts made, it is quite difficult to find "high-end" carbon bits that satisfy the needs of those who are vertically challenged (ie, <90mm stems, short and shallow bars, etc.)
Please post any suggestions, links, scientific know-how, tests, reviews, etc...Thanks for looking!
