Are carbon handlebars worth the cost?
04-03-07 | 03:44 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Are carbon handlebars worth the cost?
How much shock will they absorb? I mean will I feel an obvious difference from aluminum? I already have a carbon fork so maybe it's not worth it. Talk me out of spending my hard earned money--please!
04-03-07 | 05:10 PM
#3
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
Likes: 366
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Replaced the flat alloy bars on my Novara Big Buzz with generic (performance?) CF bars and was impressed with the reduction in vibration. But, once I forgot how it used to be, it seemed again like a rough ride, thanks to the heavy duty alloy frame and fork. Not as rough as it used to be, but still not a Comfort Bike. Thank goodness.
04-04-07 | 07:04 AM
#5
59'er
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 12
From: Alexandria, IN
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
I won't use them. I doubt you will gain any weight advantage and the cost is prohibitive. They do look cool though.
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04-04-07 | 10:16 AM
#7
big ring
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,838
Likes: 1
From: philadelphia
Originally Posted by Mariner Fan
I won't use them. I doubt you will gain any weight advantage and the cost is prohibitive. They do look cool though.
Weight is not the decisive issue - vibration damping is.
Do the Bontrager Buzzkills work ok?
04-04-07 | 01:48 PM
#9
staring at the mountains
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,576
Likes: 218
From: Castle Pines, CO
Bikes: Obed GVR, Fairdale Goodship, Salsa Timberjack 29
I have Performance CF bars on one bike, and FSA Wing Pros (Al) on another, and honestly, being a clyde, the additional flex of the CF bars take a little getting used to. Your choice of tires, wheels, and fork all conribute to the amount of buzz you'll feel at the handlebar. On a price/gram scale, Al wins hands down. Something like a Deda 215 bar would be a worthy upgrade. Or you could do what Treespeed says and get wider tires. Cheaper option, would make a noticeable difference.
