Any issues fixing clip on bars to a carbon handlebar?
topcattim
Posts: 766
I'm thinking of buying a set of clip on bars to help my entry into time trialling. I'm just wondering, though, if there are any issues clamping these on to carbon handlebars? I've contacted Token direct, but haven't had a response. I guess it should be fine, but wondered if anyone had any advice?
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Don't over-tighten, ideally use a torque wrench when fitting and slap on some assembly paste and you'll be fine...0
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If they are full carbon bars, rather than alu with a wrap of carbon over the top, my default answer would be - don't do it.
If the manufacturer says U can, and they are designed for it, then do it.
don't just assume. Safety issue.....jc0 -
Like has been said, you need to contact makers of your handle bars.
Only they will know what can be clipped onto them, not the makers of the clip ons.
I would be concerned about clamping an area that might not be designed to be clamped.
If you weaken it your bars may fail when you are using them without the clip ons, i.e. when you are sprinting and can least afford them to fail!
The thing about clip ons is that they are going to be 'clipped on' numerous times, and you only need to do that badly once to one side for it to possibly cause a big problem.0 -
Carbonator wrote:Like has been said, you need to contact makers of your handle bars.
Only they will know what can be clipped onto them, not the makers of the clip ons.
I would be concerned about clamping an area that might not be designed to be clamped.
If you weaken it your bars may fail when you are using them without the clip ons, i.e. when you are sprinting and can least afford them to fail!
The thing about clip ons is that they are going to be 'clipped on' numerous times, and you only need to do that badly once to one side for it to possibly cause a big problem.
Ok, thanks guys. Now you say it, it makes perfect sense. Bah! I thought it would be straightforward getting some clip ons!Jim C wrote:If they are full carbon bars, rather than alu with a wrap of carbon over the top, my default answer would be - don't do it.
If the manufacturer says U can, and they are designed for it, then do it.
don't just assume. Safety issue.....0 -
Is more straightforward with Alu. Even then, shouldn't be taken without consultation. Often is tho.jc0
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bars are usually certified as to being safe to use clip ons, check with your handlebar manufacturer if it is certified.my isetta is a 300cc bike0
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Jim C wrote:Is more straightforward with Alu. Even then, shouldn't be taken without consultation. Often is tho.
Oooops, better check mine :oops: There's me feeling smug about my 3T non carbon bars and thinking it was a good excuse not to buy carbon ones.
They should be ok though as I used a kind of torq key thing and am pretty sure they were minimally tightened.
They are Ergonova Pro. The clip ons are clamped on the small area of round section right next to the stem clamp, so I would think that is the same strength as the actual bit stem is clamped to?0 -
As mentioned above, if the clip ons are miss assembled just the once, U could produce a stress raiser on the bars, be they Alu or carbon. The area around the stem will be reinforced to withstand this. Couple of inches to either side, where the bars could be very thin - who knows. Its a double whammy too, as the clip ons will be quite close to the stem, giving a shearing type loads on the bars (bit like a pair of scissors). Cheap and non sexy Alu bars would most probably be fine, they ll be plenty thick enough. Ditto carbon wrapped alujc0
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use some of that soft rubber stuff when clamping it on. basically, if you can avoid it, don't directly clamp it on. Otherwise it'll damage the bar's aesthetics
my carbon 3t ergonovas specifically say on the rounded bit that they are clip on compatible0
