Are my hairline cracked or broken carbon fibre handlebars broken or useable? Can they be easily repa

ponyopo

They came with a bike second hand. I didn't notice it till I took the bar tape off. I haven't ridden them.
It looks as though the broken and cracked areas may just be fairings that wouldn't affect structural strength but I don't know for sure. I have seen carbon bars that don't have this bit.
Can anyone shed any light on this? Can I do a strength test at home?

diamonddog

I would buy some new alloy bars, spare a thought for your teeth :shock:

andy9964

I was OK with the first few, as they seemed to show an insert that was fixed over the hollowed out section.
The last three however............that line goes way beyond the above mentioned hollow.
And as DD suggests, I like what's left of my teeth

fenix

For peace of mind I'd just get some alloy bars.

slowbike

It does look like it is "just" on the tunnel creating bar rather than the carbon bars itself.
the bars will flex (alloy ones too) - and paint over a joint of flexing materials will crack.

The bars can be repaired - but to get it professionally done is probably prohibitively expensive - unless the bars were particularly special ...
TBH, I'd put a cheap alloy pair on for now - then start stripping the coating back on the carbon bars and see where the cracks actually go - my gut instinct is that they are purely cosmetic - but only you know if you're willing to take that risk.

joe2008

Here you go:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-rhm01-blac ... handlebar/

Other retailers are also available.

47p2

The bars are fine, yes the cover adhesive/bonding material has cracked but this is fitted after the bars are made and just glued on, when the cables go through and with constant turning of the steering the cables sometimes pull at the channel and cause the cover bonding material to separate from the main structure. Nothing to be concerned about. Actually better/easier to carefully remove the cover with a sharp blade as they are a pain in the butt when it comes to replacing cables

Matthewfalle

Agree - from the piccies that looks like a bonded on carbon cover - use away.

As an aside, why someone above says replace with Ali and not just replace is a tad mystifying - carbon bars are just as safe as ali.

mamba80

Matthewfalle wrote:

Agree - from the piccies that looks like a bonded on carbon cover - use away.

As an aside, why someone above says replace with Ali and not just replace is a tad mystifying - carbon bars are just as safe as ali.

V true, but no way would i use a set of second hand bars, with zero history that looked like these, F that, bars breaking on a down hill run, at speed, be more than your teeth :shock:

cougie

Alu is as light and so much cheaper. Carbon is fine in its place but not for bars. Any time a bike falls over the bars take a hit.

itboffin

Those are fine just cosmetic also additional and pointless extra weight

itboffin

Those are fine just cosmetic also additional and pointless extra weight

lesfirth

I suggest you put them on your bike as they are and act like a gorilla and try to break them. If you cant they are OK.

Matthewfalle

cougie wrote:

Alu is as light and so much cheaper. Carbon is fine in its place but not for bars. Any time a bike falls over the bars take a hit.

So the (literally) millions of people using carbon bars shouldn't be?

Blimey - someone better get the message out.

cougie

I don't see the benefit of carbon there tbh.
Millions of people smoke too. People don't always make the right choices. ;-)

Matthewfalle

cougie wrote:

I don't see the benefit of carbon there tbh.
Millions of people smoke too. People don't always make the right choices. ;-)

Millions also voted for UKIP/Brexit. I see exactly where you are coming from...

nicklong

I had carbon 3T Aeronova bars. Had a nasty crash last week, hit a traffic island and flew over the handlebars. Bars snapped at the shifter; I'm in 2 minds whether they actually acted as a crumble zone as I think I also landed on them (I've got a shifter-shaped bruise on my chest).

Not sure how the accident would have played out with alu bars. Anyhow, I can't justify replacing like for like, so alu bars are going back on. I admit the carbon bars were cosmetic.