Handlebar and stem
Coolnick
Posts: 380
Is it possible to get a decent alloy handlebar for under £50? Found the following examples;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=52345
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=42513
or as a bar/stem set
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... R-STEM.htm
Alternatively, should I look on ebay second hand? If so, what models are worth looking for? Seen plenty of Easton monkeybars for example.
Current spec on my 'hopper is -
Stem - Alloy 10 degree rise, TIG welded, black
Bars - Alloy, 38mm rise, 9 degree sweep
Cheers Nick
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=52345
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=42513
or as a bar/stem set
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... R-STEM.htm
Alternatively, should I look on ebay second hand? If so, what models are worth looking for? Seen plenty of Easton monkeybars for example.
Current spec on my 'hopper is -
Stem - Alloy 10 degree rise, TIG welded, black
Bars - Alloy, 38mm rise, 9 degree sweep
Cheers Nick
Boardman HT Comp 2012>
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 2012
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 2012
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Comments
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It's possible to get a decent alloy bar for £15 ;-)
The Monkeys are very good, but that RF combo is hard to ignore at that price - pretty light for the money (no way worth £150 though!).0 -
Though I will add it does depend on what lengths and widths you want.0
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supersonic wrote:It's possible to get a decent alloy bar for £15 ;-)
The Monkeys are very good, but that RF combo is hard to ignore at that price - pretty light for the money (no way worth £150 though!).
Got a link for that
Current stem is 100mm and bar is 640mm wide
Cheers NickBoardman HT Comp 2012>
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 20120 -
http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/105693.html
http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&t=2&c=69&p=617&
Are narrow though - I guess you want something wider?
This is wider, but a bit portly:
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/easton-e ... 64720.html
I think the RF is on the money, if 660mm is wide enough.0 -
I don't think I want to go any narrower than the 640mm I already have so the RF at 660mm is a reasonable bet. Think I might go for that RF bar/stem deal at £50 can't really go wrongBoardman HT Comp 2012>
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 20120 -
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Out of interest, current stem is 100mm, would a change to 90mm give me improved steering?Boardman HT Comp 2012>
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 20120 -
Well, it would be different steering - will feel a bit quicker, and take some weight off the front end. Only marginally though.0
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If you don't need less than 90mm, then that race face package is the best value/weight/strength bar and stem you can get.
Stem length depends on loadsa things. Frame size, riding style (XC longer, trail shorter) etc. But if you don't want to mess about with it, 100mm or 90mm would be great for a 80-100mm travel specialized.
Big reason is: what is wrong with your current cockpit?0 -
Mainly because I find the current bar stem vibrates quite a lot on more technical trails which was noticeable round the peaks on my last trip, making my hands a little numb and it also looks a bit weedy (25.4mm). I would imagine they are quite heavy too being stock items and that the race face deus would be both lighter and better quality?
Not bought them yet so open to feedback on above before committing If I am missing something here?Boardman HT Comp 2012>
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 20120 -
Maybe a light carbon bar? These tend to absorb vibrations better.0
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A worthy consideration, seen plenty of Easton carbon bars on ebay. As most of my riding is not on trails that are not overly technical, aside from 3 or 4 visits to peaks, I could live with an alloy bar. I'm sure the RF deal would provide lighter and improved feel over what I have now?
Also, when changing them over, I assume its just a case of removing my odi grips, loosening grip on shifters and brakes and sliding them off, remove bar and stem and re-fit in reverse order?Boardman HT Comp 2012>
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 20120 -
Yep, as simple as that! Careful torqueing the clamps up though.0
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Do I need a specific torque wrench or just case of tightening to a reasonable level I feel is right my park took allen key?Boardman HT Comp 2012>
Spesh Rockhopper 2004 - 20120 -
If you can judge it, go for it! Are quite low torques.0