Carbon road bars any issues ?

jxohn

Does anyone have any other issues with carbon handlebars apart from the price? There seems to be an opinion that they are very expensive with no gain apart from the good looks but is there an issue with them breaking under normal use or is this a myth because I don't know anyone who has any experience of them breaking.

neeb

Carbon is a lot stronger than it is often made out to be. As far as I know, assuming they are good quality to begin with, there should be no issues with them breaking under normal use unless they have been damaged in some way, e.g. by a bad crash or serious overtightening of the stem clamp. It is a good idea to examine them regularly for visible damage though, and maybe have this done professionally after a crash. This goes for aluminium too however, especially for very thin, lightweight alu bars. Also aluminium will fatigue over time and should eventually be replaced, while CF should last for ever as long as it isn't damaged. It is said that if carbon is damaged it is more likely to fail suddenly though.

If you think about it, if you are happy to have carbon forks then why worry about having carbon bars?

Despite what some people say I do think CF bars have a different feel. It's not necessarily more comfortable, stiffer or more efficient, but my impression is that they vibrate at a different frequency which gives them a livelier feel. I don't think for one moment that this has any performance benefits, but I do prefer the feel of my CF bars to the alu bars I've ridden.

Jez mon

Personally I think they aren't great value for money. The cheapest ones I've seen our circa 100 quid, for that money, you can get a few top level alloy ones, which are a very similar weight.

Rich-Ti

I find comfort differences (improvements) with carbon bars - they seem to damp the road vibrations more.

I use Pro Carbon bars bought from from Aspire Velotech in the US - they have sculpted finger grooves and thumb positions which makes riding on the flat section seriously comfy.

8)

neeb

Yup, they feel nicer (although that's possibly subjective - I know some people disagree), maybe more comfortable, but certainly not the best value for money. On the other hand, the bars are one of your main contact points with the bike, so if you like the way a pair of CF bars feels then it may be worth it for you. And they do look nice!

Mog Uk

Rich-Ti wrote:

I find comfort differences (improvements) with carbon bars - they seem to damp the road vibrations more.

I use Pro Carbon bars bought from from Aspire Velotech in the US - they have sculpted finger grooves and thumb positions which makes riding on the flat section seriously comfy.

8)

And very nice they are, still enjoying mine...

Rich-Ti

Mog Uk wrote:

And very nice they are, still enjoying mine...

I see you've upgraded the levers?!

Bizarrely enough I sold that to buy a full sus MTB, and I've just sold that to build up a new road bike! :roll:

The Pro Carbons were first on the list of parts - a must have in my book now 8)

Mog Uk

Still the same levers, must be the camera angle... All that's really changed is the wheels, saddle and pedals.....

I'll keep my eye on the board for when you sell your new road bike

Rich-Ti

Mog Uk wrote:

Still the same levers, must be the camera angle... All that's really changed is the wheels, saddle and pedals.....

I'll keep my eye on the board for when you sell your new road bike

Oh, they look like the Ultegra SL grey! The wheels did need changing - that would have been my next upgrade had I not sold it! What did you go for?

If I ever sell my new road bike some lucky bugger is gonna get an even better deal than you did! I think this one's a keeper... 8)

Mog Uk

I got a set of Campag Zondas, been very pleased with them...... The Aksiums have gone onto my commuter/winter hack.....

dbb

Mog Uk wrote:

Rich-Ti wrote:

I find comfort differences (improvements) with carbon bars - they seem to damp the road vibrations more.

I use Pro Carbon bars bought from from Aspire Velotech in the US - they have sculpted finger grooves and thumb positions which makes riding on the flat section seriously comfy.

8)

And very nice they are, still enjoying mine...

yes they are great bars. i bought an identical set from trybike.co.uk - also for 100quid.
what is that computer mount you are using?

Mog Uk

The computer mount is also from Aspire Velotech...

They also have a store on Ebay

bill57

And having recently bought a Chris King headset from them, I can thoroughly recommend them. Great to deal with, I'm going to order one of those mounts tomorrow.

dbb

thanks for the details. i'm off to check them out now.