Bars and Stem - Decent Ones
Dizeee
Posts: 337
My best bike's weakest points are bars and stem - it is a decent carbon bike with Campag and 50mm Carbon wheels, but with a bargain bucket aluminium stem and 3T Ergonova bars. I want decent bars and stem for the bike and preferrably carbon ones.
Having looked online I am not seeing a vast amount of choice though, I am looking mainly at 3T and FSA. Zipp SL70 have come up but at serious cost and I am unsure as to whether I can be bothered shelling out that much on something that is only really going to make me feel better about the bike rather than gaining me time on segments. That said I am a predominantly fast rider and as such this move won't just be about aesthetics.
Any recommendations?
Having looked online I am not seeing a vast amount of choice though, I am looking mainly at 3T and FSA. Zipp SL70 have come up but at serious cost and I am unsure as to whether I can be bothered shelling out that much on something that is only really going to make me feel better about the bike rather than gaining me time on segments. That said I am a predominantly fast rider and as such this move won't just be about aesthetics.
Any recommendations?
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The only valid reasons to change a bar/stem combo like that are a) fit or b) vanity. Assuming you fit into the b) category, then just buy whatever you like the look of.0
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Are the bars Ergonova Pro's? Do you like the shape of them? If so you could get the Ergonova team carbon bars, but it's a lot of money to spend to save 65 grams.
Honestly, the Ergonova Pro is already a perfectly decent handlebar and there is little point upgrading them if you don't want a different shape to boot - if you want to try a different shape then go for it, although I'd suggest trying the different shape on a cheaper Alu model rather than leaping into a new curve/drop with expensive Carbon bars that you might not get on with.
Assuming the question is largely one of aesthetics, I'm a fan of the traditional drop curve and so would suggest the 3t Rotundo, or Pro Vibe Round for a flat transition between hoods and tops - there's a nice comparison picture here: http://socialcyclists.org/road-forum/on ... -drop-bar/
In terms of stem choice, I doubt anyone could give a compelling reason to 'upgrade' a stem beyond the aesthetic - if you are getting new bars it will look nice to get the matching stem. Also, if your new bars have different reach/drop to your old bars, you may wish you get a stem of slightly different size to maintain the position that you are accustomed to.
One big warning to make about stems though is that not all stems are compatible with all forks - a friend of mine was lucky to have his Fork replaced under warranty after the stem that he chose failed to properly grip the steerer - leaving him with the feeling of play in the headset, and ultimately damaging the fork.
This is something to also be cautious of at the handlebar end if you put on carbon bars - and a reason to go for a stem from the same brand as the bars (and check any compatibility lists from the manufacturer).0 -
Dizeee wrote:I can be bothered shelling out that much on something that is only really going to make me feel better about the bike rather than gaining me time on segments. That said I am a predominantly fast rider and as such this move won't just be about aesthetics.
Have a word with yourself :roll:0 -
thegreatdivide wrote:Dizeee wrote:I can be bothered shelling out that much on something that is only really going to make me feel better about the bike rather than gaining me time on segments. That said I am a predominantly fast rider and as such this move won't just be about aesthetics.
Have a word with yourself :roll:
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Deda. The really cheap ones.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Ritchie WCS in the sales. Get matching seat post, stem and bars in the wet look black as its lush.
Pro standard, light, not a bad price in the sales.
Then smash the old bits with a hammer and chuck into next door's garden.
Jobs a fish.Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
Kalloy Uno stem No6 or No7, lovely quality and super lightweight (circa 85-100g) for less than £20 off evil bay.
Use a 'Road' stem on my MTB, preformed faultlessly, just make sure you read the fitting instructions!Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
SL70 is the best bar I have ever used ..... I am taking that bar to my grave, I really get along with it .... its not as prestigious or as funky looking or as light as some carbon aero bars ...... but its the perfect fit for my hands0
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I've got Zipp Sl's on both my bikes. Bought them for the summer jobbie and liked them so much I got another set.
I am however, a predominantly slow rider. So bare that in mind.
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Cheers all I agree that is mainly vanity and aesthetics. As for riding style I've been using this forum and riding long enough to just tell it how it is. All I'm saying is I'm not a 17mph plodder that's all just like I am also not an active racer or the fastest rider out there. But I do enjoy speed and will tend to ride at the faster paces.
Yes they are ergonova pro bars. Nothing wrong with them at all but the bike has aero frame seatpost and wheels so I wanted to replace these two to tie in and finish the bike off. Kind of made sense to me.0 -
Dizeee wrote:Cheers all I agree that is mainly vanity and aesthetics. As for riding style I've been using this forum and riding long enough to just tell it how it is. All I'm saying is I'm not a 17mph plodder that's all just like I am also not an active racer or the fastest rider out there. But I do enjoy speed and will tend to ride at the faster paces.
Yes they are ergonova pro bars. Nothing wrong with them at all but the bike has aero frame seatpost and wheels so I wanted to replace these two to tie in and finish the bike off. Kind of made sense to me.
Deda Superzero bar and stem.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
A stem and bar won't make you any faster, except maybe an aero bar but unless racing you won't notice it. But we've all gone through the bling phase so enjoy.0
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What are the 'faster paces'??Dizeee wrote:All I'm saying is I'm not a 17mph plodder that's all just like I am also not an active racer or the fastest rider out there. But I do enjoy speed and will tend to ride at the faster paces.
17mph could well be a fast average in some areas, even for an 'active racer'..0 -
17mph plodder? I averaged 17.7 mph on my ride yesterday and was covered in sweat after the first 10 minutes, spent all of the ride apart from the climbs in the drops, and I'm <#30 on a few local strava segments, no plodding! Perhaps you live somewhere flat?0
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He's just more pro than youdrwae wrote:17mph plodder? I averaged 17.7 mph on my ride yesterday and was covered in sweat after the first 10 minutes, spent all of the ride apart from the climbs in the drops, and I'm <#30 on a few local strava segments, no plodding! Perhaps you live somewhere flat? 0 -
Averaged 14-15 mph most days in Gran Canaria....guess I'm well shit
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Imposter wrote:
What are the 'faster paces'??Dizeee wrote:All I'm saying is I'm not a 17mph plodder that's all just like I am also not an active racer or the fastest rider out there. But I do enjoy speed and will tend to ride at the faster paces.
17mph could well be a fast average in some areas, even for an 'active racer'..
When Marco Pantani broke the world record for the fastest ascent up Alpe d'Huez, he averaged 14mph.
When bored one day I was look at bars and stems online, did you know that the most expensive bling bars are not always that much lighter than the mid range ones?
3T Aeronova LTD Stealth Carbon Handlebars - £255 - 205g
Fizik Cyrano R1 - £160 - 205g
Deda M35 - £145 - 210g"The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby0 -
Change the stem and bars if you like but it wont make any difference to your speed.0
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DavidJB wrote:A stem and bar won't make you any faster, except maybe an aero bar but unless racing you won't notice it. But we've all gone through the bling phase so enjoy.
So it won't make you faster but it will. You won't notice it but you will. "You really think you can burn off sugar with exercise?" downhill paul0 -
Charlie Potatoes wrote:DavidJB wrote:A stem and bar won't make you any faster, except maybe an aero bar but unless racing you won't notice it. But we've all gone through the bling phase so enjoy.
So it won't make you faster but it will. You won't notice it but you will.
Well I think Zipp claim 6.4 watts at 30 mph for their aerobar (which would be in ideal conditions)
To travel at 30 MPH on the flat I'd need to be putting out over 800 watts. So yeah it might make you 0.05 (or less) seconds faster in a sprint. In a race which can be won or lost by half a tyre it might make a difference (I've lost by 1/2 a tyre before)...but yeah...pointless otherwise.0 -
DavidJB wrote:Charlie Potatoes wrote:DavidJB wrote:A stem and bar won't make you any faster, except maybe an aero bar but unless racing you won't notice it. But we've all gone through the bling phase so enjoy.
So it won't make you faster but it will. You won't notice it but you will.
Well I think Zipp claim 6.4 watts at 30 mph for their aerobar (which would be in ideal conditions)
To travel at 30 MPH on the flat I'd need to be putting out over 800 watts. So yeah it might make you 0.05 (or less) seconds faster in a sprint. In a race which can be won or lost by half a tyre it might make a difference (I've lost by 1/2 a tyre before)...but yeah...pointless otherwise.
So you're saying that he should stay with the stuff he's already got?Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
Matthewfalle wrote:DavidJB wrote:Charlie Potatoes wrote:DavidJB wrote:A stem and bar won't make you any faster, except maybe an aero bar but unless racing you won't notice it. But we've all gone through the bling phase so enjoy.
So it won't make you faster but it will. You won't notice it but you will.
Well I think Zipp claim 6.4 watts at 30 mph for their aerobar (which would be in ideal conditions)
To travel at 30 MPH on the flat I'd need to be putting out over 800 watts. So yeah it might make you 0.05 (or less) seconds faster in a sprint. In a race which can be won or lost by half a tyre it might make a difference (I've lost by 1/2 a tyre before)...but yeah...pointless otherwise.
So you're saying that he should stay with the stuff he's already got?
He can do whatever he likes it's his money...0 -
DavidJB wrote:Matthewfalle wrote:DavidJB wrote:Charlie Potatoes wrote:DavidJB wrote:A stem and bar won't make you any faster, except maybe an aero bar but unless racing you won't notice it. But we've all gone through the bling phase so enjoy.
So it won't make you faster but it will. You won't notice it but you will.
Well I think Zipp claim 6.4 watts at 30 mph for their aerobar (which would be in ideal conditions)
To travel at 30 MPH on the flat I'd need to be putting out over 800 watts. So yeah it might make you 0.05 (or less) seconds faster in a sprint. In a race which can be won or lost by half a tyre it might make a difference (I've lost by 1/2 a tyre before)...but yeah...pointless otherwise.
So you're saying that he should stay with the stuff he's already got?
He can do whatever he likes it's his money...
Oh don't be cross.
OP dude - it's shopping time. What ya gonna get?Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
Get whatever I have, they're great!0
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Matthewfalle wrote:DavidJB wrote:Matthewfalle wrote:DavidJB wrote:Charlie Potatoes wrote:DavidJB wrote:A stem and bar won't make you any faster, except maybe an aero bar but unless racing you won't notice it. But we've all gone through the bling phase so enjoy.
So it won't make you faster but it will. You won't notice it but you will.
Well I think Zipp claim 6.4 watts at 30 mph for their aerobar (which would be in ideal conditions)
To travel at 30 MPH on the flat I'd need to be putting out over 800 watts. So yeah it might make you 0.05 (or less) seconds faster in a sprint. In a race which can be won or lost by half a tyre it might make a difference (I've lost by 1/2 a tyre before)...but yeah...pointless otherwise.
So you're saying that he should stay with the stuff he's already got?
He can do whatever he likes it's his money...
Oh don't be cross.
OP dude - it's shopping time. What ya gonna get?
Why am I cross? I've spent £100 on a stem and actually have £230 carbon bars, had s-works aero bars....been there...as I said it's his money...we all like bling at some point.0 -
You spent £330 on a stem and some handlebars? This one is for you then: viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=13076425Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
After spending £330 on the handlebars I think he might need to go the Chinese 'carbon' route as I did!Matthewfalle wrote:You spent £330 on a stem and some handlebars? This one is for you then: viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=130764250 -
bendertherobot wrote:Deda. The really cheap ones.
Yup. HRM 02. Job done.0 -
Dizeee wrote:My best bike's weakest points are bars and stem - it is a decent carbon bike with Campag and 50mm Carbon wheels, but with a bargain bucket aluminium stem and 3T Ergonova bars. I want decent bars and stem for the bike and preferrably carbon ones.
Having looked online I am not seeing a vast amount of choice though, I am looking mainly at 3T and FSA. Zipp SL70 have come up but at serious cost and I am unsure as to whether I can be bothered shelling out that much on something that is only really going to make me feel better about the bike rather than gaining me time on segments. That said I am a predominantly fast rider and as such this move won't just be about aesthetics.
Any recommendations?
Skin suit and aero hat? Power meter.0
