Deda Handlebars

canoas
canoas Posts: 307
edited August 2013 in Workshop
Deda say in their instruction booklet..

"The strength characteristics of the handlebar stem and the handlebars deteriorate
naturally depending on actual use (competitive cycling, frequency of use etc.);
Deda Elementi recommend replacement after each competitive season and,
for those not involved in competitive cycling, every 2 to 4 years depending on frequency of use"

I've had my handlebars/stem for 2 years cycled about 18,000kms, I cannot see any damage when removing the bolts for re-greasing though I haven't taken the original bar tape off yet. (Zero 100) Should I really need to replace the handlebars/stem as Deda say?

Comments

  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    No this is just marketing to make you buy new ones
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    They are just covering their @rses in case someone tries to sue them after an accident.

    My original Deda bars are still in as new condition after 6 years, and I've just bought another set for the winter bike. As a youth my original 10 speed racer had thin alloy bars clamped by a single bolt in quill stem. They were still going strong after 10 years and they did get a lot of heaving (standard chainset / 5 speed block / Yorkshire Dales)

    I noticed when I was building up my CR1-SL that Scott use similarly worded statements about their carbon frames and forks :shock: I'm not planning to replace that after 3 years.
  • racingcondor
    racingcondor Posts: 1,434
    I'm pretty sure that's a recommendation written by the legal department using the 'if a racer type tinkers with the stem/bar alignment and crashes a couple of times how long until he causes enough stress fractures that it could lead to failure. Halve it and recommend'.

    For normal use it's not a huge issue as demonstrated by the 2-4 year recommendation for more casual users. Wish I hadn't read this though, mine are way older and fall into the raced and meddled with category... :lol:
  • canoas
    canoas Posts: 307
    Well, I'm going to leave my handlebars/stem as is. Today as usual after a long ride I put pressure on the handlebars to check for any movement, tightened the stem big bolt ever so slighty (1st time in about 8 rides!). I always trust Deda, have for years, I think the make the best alu stems and handlebars around with good fits. I'm still old school to trust carbon handlebars/stem yet, but I generally don't reaplce handlebars/stem unless its a new bike.

    A point further above, I think after summer I'm going to replace bar tape and check for corrosion and cracks. Good idea. You know, I was thinking stem & handlebars are the most important components to check on a regular basis along with frame cracks/brakes, especially down big alpine decents they must be in good order.

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