I have been toying with the idea of switching handlebars to CF. First, what are the pros and cons? Also I was wondering if a fatter bar and a shorter stem would make a difference for the better? I ride XC pretty aggresive so the forgivness of the CF would be great. I have no validity in wanting to go to a fatter bar and shorter stem except I think it may help with fatigue and control. I don't have a lot of experince experimenting with different set ups. So someone with more can you help?
Thanks guys (and gals)

there is no downside to CF handlebars except for price, a shorter stem will give you more reactive turning but this can be a bad thing if it is not what you can handle.

look at scandium handlebars, too - strong & lite & usually cheaper than CF

What type of riding enviroment would a shorter stem be helpful?

windy singletrack, but its something that if you try u may not like anyway.

Another plus for CF is that it looks really nice. That said I just replaced my AL bar with another AL bar, but that's just because I'm a cheapskate.

Does it help with arm and hand fatigue? Or arm pump?

yes, just like one of those vibrating massagers you see at sharper image or brookstone, the vibrations coming from your bike eventually relax your muscles, CF absorbs vibration as opposed to Al which transfers it.

I love Sharper Image.

Do you think the fatter bars help with grip?

I thought standard bars were all the same diameter at the grip area, "fatter" and "thinner" only applying to where they attach to the bike.

Not sure?

I've been sure before and proven wrong.

Pretty sure they're all the same. I have never seen grips for sale for different sized bars, but I, of course, could also be wrong.

OP, have you considered titanium bars?

Who makes the Ti bars?

The 'fat' bars are only fat at the stem clamp area- that's where you need to be sure to match the stem's clamp size with the bar's diameter at the clamp area.

The grip area, as well as the area for mounting shifters and levers, is standardized. You'll find that shifters and levers are made to fit this standard- which, if I recall correctly, is 7/8 inch.

Seven does, and as a bonus you can get them completely custom for (I think) no extra charge. I beleive they're $180, around the same as most carbon bars.

There are a few more as well.

Your statement is incorrect. CF MTB bars can be had for $60-$150 for most. That would give an average of about $100.

K.

FSA K-Force Lite carbon.

Why flat?

True, but some people don't like the loss of sweep and rise. I could deal, but others....

got fsa team k force risers. Still light. Not everyone needs things from a racing standpoint.

I know, I meant that that's what I am running.