New Handbar Advice

simonp123

I decided to treat my bike last week whilst I am unable to ride due to recent carpal tunnel surgery. I got a new 70mm stem to replace the 90mm old and heavy standard-fit item I had transfered form my old bike. Conviced I had an oversize EA70 bar I bought a stem to suit, but no my bar is a 25.4mm :oops: I even checked Easton's website which confirmed that they only make 31.8mm EA70 bars. I guess that they used to make smaller which is what I bought 3 years back. :roll:

Anyway after my cock-up I decided perhaps I should just get new bars, and use it as an oporutnity to go wider than 685mm and possibly to carbon which is alleged to help with wrist and hand issues due to "buzz" absorbtion. Usefull given my recent issues.
My only qualm (apart from £££££s!)is whether they will be strong enough given that I am around 17st (110Kg). Any views/experiences?
The Answer ProTaper Carbon 720 AM 1" rise looks tempting from a length & strength point of view. The EC70 ones are also tempting, but could do with longer. There are some cheaper options around, but I am guessing that cheap carbon bars equalls potential trouble?

Bike is based on a 2006 Stumpjumper 120 frame by the way.

cooldad

www.carboncycles.cc

.blitz

Carbon bars are nice but no better at absorbing trail buzz than a quality 7075 aluminium bar. The biggest difference is in weight.

Chain Reaction are shifting all their old Sunline stuff at (relatively) bargain prices you might be able to find something suitable: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Sear ... lery=false

nicklouse

or you could just buy a shim if you are happy with your bars.

.blitz

or you could just buy a shim: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=25136

DodgeT

Can vouch for these being an absolute bargain for the quality of the bars if you want to go wider http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=530

supersonic

A bit prky though! Though I guess are very wide! Usually the lighter, butted alu numbers absorb buzz better.

DodgeT

Same weight as renthal fatbars, 5g heavier than race face atlas, 30g heavier than easton havoc, so not too bad for the price and the width.
Of course, the more you chop them the lighter they become... Mine are now 760mm and must be at least a couple of grams lighter

Actually the havocs look like a good buy at £42 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=63250 one day i'll learn to research more before I impulse buy

simonp123

Thanks for the advice, in the end after some checking & measurements I decided that wider bars would definitely help given my past neck and wrist problems, so used the £12 off from CRC and some vouchers I had and went withe the Answer carbon bar. I'll ebay the EA70 bars.