Carbon stem v Alu stem

lancelogan

Hi,
I was wondering if someone could tell me the differences between a carbon stem and an equivelant alu one? Also the differences between normal and oversized stems.

Oh and, when combined with alu or carbon bars.

For reference i have a carbon oval stem and alu deda bars normal sized.

peter101cycle

lancelogan wrote:

Hi,
I was wondering if someone could tell me the differences between a carbon stem and an equivelant alu one? Also the differences between normal and oversized stems.

Oh and, when combined with alu or carbon bars.

For reference i have a carbon oval stem and alu deda bars normal sized.

Oversized stems should be stiffer, due to the large diameter profile.
Carbon stems should be a little more comfortable by reducing road buzz but are not necessarily lighter....I don't use them as the prices tend to be higher, plus there is always the risk of failure if you are unlucky (and don't use carbon handlebars either).

I have an oversized titanium stem, with oversized handlebars - both Deda. Very stiff and light as well, not had any problems with comfort either.

lancelogan

Thanks for the reply.
So do you recommend the use of carbon bars along with a carbon stem?

Down the Road

No diff in stiffness in carbon stems. Bars are marginally stiffer and not that much lighter.

Saying that your mind is made up already

cougie

Cant see the advantage of carbon for bars and stems.
Bars take a lot of abuse - in a crash - they always hit the deck - alu is cheap to replace and as light.

Carbon stems - again - pricey and no real difference in weight.

flanners1

I like carbon bars and have them fitted to all of my bikes; whether it is a psychological thing or not to me carbon bars offer me more comfort. Having had new bikes with ally bars I have found they transmit more buzz through my hands and arms, to the carbon bars I have fitted afterwards.

Ally bike frames in comparison to my carbon frames, like bars, have done the same thing to my body/butt for years.

tenor

Deda 215 bars and simple alloy stem fine for me (and Lance!) and light for the money. No unwanted vibrations.
Carbon components just a way for the industry to get neurotic cyclists to shed money.