fatdad

Hello, new here, have a couple of questions with regards to carbon vs aluminum handlebars, are carbon bars worth the cost, are they really a more comfortable ride as the manufacturers claim or is it all BS marketing to sell more expensive stuff? Also, I'm looking for feedback on a particular bar, the FSA k-force compact handlebar, I would like a shorter reach an shorter drop bar as I get older/fatter/less flexible? Anyone have any positive or negative experience with this bar or compact bars in general? FYI, I have a Trek carbon fiber bike with Shimano Ultegra parts including the brake lever/shifters. Thanks...

Fox Farm

If money is not an issue, sure, go ahead and spend up to $300 on your handlebars. Or, spend about $70 on good durable aluminum. I have tried both and honestly, other the the cool carbon look, I can't say that they felt much different. A nice pair of padded gel gloves gives me better comfort. As for vibration, the carbon bars seemed to deaden a little bit of the road buzz, but not significantly. For the big hits, they were much harsher than the aluminum bars. I have not used FSA bars but for what you are saying that you want, look at the Ritchey Bio Max. I have found them in a 31mm bar clamp size too.

mloywhite

I have a set of the K-Force compact bars. I love them. They are very stiff, and the smaller drop helped me get the fit I need when in the drops. I have some neck problems, and have had problems getting things dialed in at times. Ritchey makes an aluminium bar with a similar drop and reach. I had a K-wing before these, and have had very good experiences with it and the compact set, but the compact fits me better.

foresthill

I have FSA's shallow drop carbon bar. I love it. I did try the aluminium one for a few weeks, and despite what Fox Farm said above, I found that the aluminium one had significantly more vibration in it. Of course, I had come from a previous carbon bar, so maybe I was already spoiled enough to notice it. I also wear padless gloves, so that may have something to do with it.

One thing I did like better about the aluminium bar was that the flat section on the bar was better aligned for a zero-drop hood setup. With the carbon one, the flat section is turned quite a bit when you make your hoods flat across the top.

F = MA

just get the aluminum. carbon bars are not worth the money and potential risks.

buy mine! see sig

amorrow

I really like my wing pros. No complaints. by the aluminum and spend the other money elsewhere, like tires or wheels.