Handbars, Stem, Seatpost, Where to start?

itrubes

Need some buying advice when it comes down to the finishing kit im looking to upgrade. But the amount of choice out there is unreal!

What should i be looking for? Im riding a Carrera Titan carbon fibre frame XC mountain bike. 18" But well the finishings that came with the bike are a bit crap so need to upgrade them.

But i dont know whether i need low rise, high rise, or flat bars
how much set back on the seatpost?
Whether to go for carbon is it really too weak for handbars and stems?
And then what brands to go for?

Any advice on where to start would be great! Many Thanks for any replies!

hucking_fell

If you feel comfortable with the bits you already have then start there. Get the same length and rise stem. Similar width, rise and sweep bars, same shaped and length seatpost.

If you feel a bit cramped then maybe try a longer stem or a lay back post. Remember a lay back post will have your weight further back and the front wheel will be more likely to lift going seated uphill. A lesser rise bar would go some way to counter this.

If you are riding more technical, jumpy, droppy stuff than before then maybe try a shorter stem to sharpen up the steering a bit.

As the frame's carbon then more carbon bits would go nicely with it and save a little weight if that's what you want.