How much should an handlebar flex?
03-29-23, 10:02 AM
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How much should an handlebar flex?
I was looking some review regarding an handlebar and a guy replied me on YouTube that the handlebar He's using is flexing about 5-8mm (the rider weight 80kg and the riding type is aggressive).
How much should a carbon handlebar flex in a normal conditions?
Assuming an high output of watts for example in a final sprinting, how much should an handlebar flex?
maybe the tread is very stupid but for me those millimeters of flexing is abnormal.
How much should a carbon handlebar flex in a normal conditions?
Assuming an high output of watts for example in a final sprinting, how much should an handlebar flex?
maybe the tread is very stupid but for me those millimeters of flexing is abnormal.
03-29-23, 10:12 AM
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In the days when I was racing at the peak of my fitness, and putting out a lot of watts in a sprint, I preferred a stiff CF handlebar. It probably was flexing, but I didn't ever want to feel that flex in my hands, in those conditions. I'm not doing any max-effort sprinting these days, but I still prefer a firm handlebar feel on my road bike, during hard efforts.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
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03-29-23, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Eric F
In the days when I was racing at the peak of my fitness, and putting out a lot of watts in a sprint, I preferred a stiff CF handlebar. It probably was flexing, but I didn't ever want to feel that flex in my hands, in those conditions. I'm not doing any max-effort sprinting these days, but I still prefer a firm handlebar feel on my road bike, during hard efforts.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
this let me think
03-29-23, 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by CrowSeph
Your message is not that useless as you think. Basically you are telling me that a flexing handlebar will make you more insecure during sprints, i'am right?
this let me think
this let me think
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03-29-23, 11:13 AM
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how much flex in normal conditions ?
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
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03-29-23, 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Eric F
Part of my thinking was that I didn't want any of my power lost to flexing parts. I don't know how much of that is a real concern, but that was my thought. In reality, there was probably a lot more flex than I was aware of.
lightweight handlebar - and a little ‘flexy’ ... could feel it when you were out of the saddle (especially compared to standard Cinelli handlebar or whatever)
sprinter like you prob would not like this handlebar - but for me it was prob a good thing ... small guy on a stiff Cannondale
03-30-23, 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by t2p
how much flex in normal conditions ?
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
04-07-23, 12:17 PM
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The more the better, for me as a recreational rider. I seek out flexier bars for all my biking- road, Mtn, gravel, and fat snow.
04-07-23, 12:46 PM
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I can confirm that the FSA Kwing is indeed very flexy. I'd venture to say the point of being too much.
I have 2 obtained at various times under different circumstances.
The first was used on a single ride. Vague, and disconnected are words I would use to describe it. I basically removed it the moment I walk through the door after returning from the ride.
The second bar is on a gravel bike. It completely sucks the life out of the bike in a general sense but it does indeed smooth out rough terrain. On that bike I am squarely undecided. It would shine on cobbles.
I'd say the Kwing is suited to much stiffer rides than I own.
Too much of anything isn't always a good thing.
I have 2 obtained at various times under different circumstances.
The first was used on a single ride. Vague, and disconnected are words I would use to describe it. I basically removed it the moment I walk through the door after returning from the ride.
The second bar is on a gravel bike. It completely sucks the life out of the bike in a general sense but it does indeed smooth out rough terrain. On that bike I am squarely undecided. It would shine on cobbles.
I'd say the Kwing is suited to much stiffer rides than I own.
Too much of anything isn't always a good thing.
04-07-23, 05:42 PM
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I have never noticed any flexing on the cervelo carbon bars or the madone slr cockpit. I was never lookin though, didn’t realize that was an issue. I was told to stay away from the amazon bars because they flex a lot. I almost feel like that would be nerve racking if my bars were flexing in a sprint.
04-08-23, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by bampilot06
I have never noticed any flexing on the cervelo carbon bars or the madone slr cockpit. I was never lookin though, didn’t realize that was an issue. I was told to stay away from the amazon bars because they flex a lot. I almost feel like that would be nerve racking if my bars were flexing in a sprint.
I'd be more concerned about turning on a descent. Hitting a hole or bump during a turn might be disconcerting, as the bars would suddenly flex.
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04-14-23, 09:54 PM
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The flex only slows you down if there's significant hysteresis associated with it, ie if it doesn't return almost all the energy into the system when it unflexes. And if it saves you energy by isolating you from harshness, you'll be faster over long distances.
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04-14-23, 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by terrymorse
I'd be more concerned about turning on a descent. Hitting a hole or bump during a turn might be disconcerting, as the bars would suddenly flex.
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04-15-23, 07:40 AM
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I remember my old Lemond Drop In (Scott I think) from the early 1990s. Super flexy and to my mind back then, this was good for increased comfort. Now, the Ritchey WCS alloy bars that I use are dead stiff as are the 3T carbon bars on another bike; no complaints and a prefered feel for me.
