Bike Forums - Carbon Bars for Clyde?

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Carbon Bars for Clyde?

I ended up picking up an new frame and I was thinking of getting some Easton Delta force bullhorns. Do any of you guys ride carbon bars without worry? I'm about 265lbs and when i stand I do put a decent amount of stress on my current Al ones.

Why? At 265# the few grams weight savings won't matter. And, regardless of marketing hype, they don't really dampen anything.

I would save your money.

carbon bars are a waste for big guys and small guys. i wouldnt run them but it is up to you.

I love carbon anything but see no value other than bling in carbon bars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAmCosmo (Post 9883614)

And, regardless of marketing hype, they don't really dampen anything.

I tend to think they do dampen road vibration a bit, but not enough to justify their ridiculous cost. I'll spend money on just about anything that's bicycle-related... but all of my bikes have aluminum bars.

Thanks. Wasnt doing it for weight savings. More so for ride quality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sstorkel (Post 9884346)

I noticed more difference changing to gel bar tape than I did switching to carbon bars (which is why I sold my carbon bars shortly after that). Mine were Easton bars.

You'll notice a lot more difference in dampening just by running 10 lbs less in your tires or going to a slightly larger tire anyways. Both of which are significantly cheaper than carbon bars.

I also prefer aluminum handlebars for durability, and have not noticed any increase in comfort with carbon fiber bars. I've found that the best way to dampen vibration and make my hands more comfortable, is to put a thin layer of closed-cell foam along the top of my handlebars and all the-way up to the shifters.

I got the idea from those foam inserts that Specialized puts on their new bikes, especially the plush models like the Robaix. I noticed that the foam looked a lot like the stuff that they pack new computer parts in that we get in at work all the time. I shaped and shaved some foam from work to look like a slightly thicker version of the type that Specialized sells, and used double-sided carpet tape to place it on my handlebars. Then, I compressed it down about half-way with my bar tape to make it a bit smaller and firmer. I did not have any problems covering the foam with regular Specialized bar tape.

It feels great, and does a much better job than gel gloves, or carbon handlebars IMO.

Last spring I took a test ride on a Colnago CLX that had Easton Carbon bars. It was one of a number of features that hooked me on the bike. No they aren't enough lighter than Al bars for us clydes to notice but I felt the ride improvement was VERY noticable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4c4c8 (Post 9886452)

So you took a ride on a new bike and you determined that the bars made a difference? Not the wheels, tires, seat, frame material, frame design, or anything else? You're sure it was the bars?

The only real way to know is to test ride it with aluminum bars and then with carbon bars. Riding a whole new bike won't tell you anything about a single component on the bike.