Carbon handlebars - talk to me
Discussion
SVS said:
What are people’s thought on carbon handlebars? Do they reduce road vibrations at all? Any issues with being fragile?
I switched to carbon bars on my now winter bike (it wasn't at the time). The reason for the switch was I wanted more narrow bars, not the fact I wanted carbon. I had a mate who worked at wiggle so I got them at a very (very!) good price compared to the wiggle price. I wouldn't say there's a massive reduction in vibration, but it was noticeable. However, they are a top of the range set of bars, and the bars on the bike were far from top of the range aluminium so not necessarily a fair test.If you're looking at them as a comfort upgrade from road vibration perspective, look at wheels/tyres first. But yes, they do seem to help a bit, but I don't think it was huge - admittedly we're talking 4 years ago so my memory isn't the best!
Same here, my old bike will barely fit 25mm tyres. If you have no other choice then go for it. I've no idea whether there's much difference between expensive and cheaper carbon bars. I went for 3t team carbon ergonova if I recall. I think they were around £250+ rrp I got them for about half that.
Also..... Perhaps you could try doubling up on bar tape which may help? Admittedly not when riding on the hoods I guess?
Also..... Perhaps you could try doubling up on bar tape which may help? Admittedly not when riding on the hoods I guess?
I’ve got some Easton carbon bars on my MTB. I wasn’t particularly looking for carbon they were cheap at under £40.
I’ve found they do reduce vibration. I’ve also found that they feel stiffer. Whether that’s in my head I’m not sure but it was noticeable from the first ride. They’ve been far from fragile surviving various crashes and hard landings.
I’ve found they do reduce vibration. I’ve also found that they feel stiffer. Whether that’s in my head I’m not sure but it was noticeable from the first ride. They’ve been far from fragile surviving various crashes and hard landings.
Dannbodge said:
I use the S-Works Aerofly ones on my Tarmac.
They are great, really stiff and saved a good chunk of weight.
Don't really notice any difference in comfort.
I've been using them for the last year or so, including hard rides on the turbo and they've been great.
They probably saved about 180g. Not exactly a good chunk of weight! They are great, really stiff and saved a good chunk of weight.
Don't really notice any difference in comfort.
I've been using them for the last year or so, including hard rides on the turbo and they've been great.
I have cheap chinese bars on all three of my road based bikes. First set I bought are 3T Ergonova replicas. Paid about £35 and they sit on my Giant Defy.
I have a Hylix set on my CX bike. Most expensive at about £50, but they are the lightest. Prefer the shape of the fake Ergonovas though.
Most recent set are branded Toseek. Also from china. £35 again and a similar shape as the Ergonova replicas, but the finish is matt and not as nice as the first set.
I didn't really buy them to save weight. It helps with numb and tingly hands. The nice carbon bike seemed to be the worse for numb/tingly hands.
Tyres can be a contributing factor to vibrations. I fitted GP4000s and that improved it again. Kit tyres are usually cheap nasty things.
bakerstreet said:
They probably saved about 180g. Not exactly a good chunk of weight!
I have cheap chinese bars on all three of my road based bikes. First set I bought are 3T Ergonova replicas. Paid about £35 and they sit on my Giant Defy.
I have a Hylix set on my CX bike. Most expensive at about £50, but they are the lightest. Prefer the shape of the fake Ergonovas though.
Most recent set are branded Toseek. Also from china. £35 again and a similar shape as the Ergonova replicas, but the finish is matt and not as nice as the first set.
I didn't really buy them to save weight. It helps with numb and tingly hands. The nice carbon bike seemed to be the worse for numb/tingly hands.
Tyres can be a contributing factor to vibrations. I fitted GP4000s and that improved it again. Kit tyres are usually cheap nasty things.
you nutter, carbon chinese bars! I have cheap chinese bars on all three of my road based bikes. First set I bought are 3T Ergonova replicas. Paid about £35 and they sit on my Giant Defy.
I have a Hylix set on my CX bike. Most expensive at about £50, but they are the lightest. Prefer the shape of the fake Ergonovas though.
Most recent set are branded Toseek. Also from china. £35 again and a similar shape as the Ergonova replicas, but the finish is matt and not as nice as the first set.
I didn't really buy them to save weight. It helps with numb and tingly hands. The nice carbon bike seemed to be the worse for numb/tingly hands.
Tyres can be a contributing factor to vibrations. I fitted GP4000s and that improved it again. Kit tyres are usually cheap nasty things.
even i wouldnt go there.
keith2.2 said:
There is a GCN tech video on the relative strengths of carbon vs alloy bars that would be worth you watching.
That was quite interesting.WRT to Chinese Carbon, I know there [i]probably[/] won't be a problem with them, but I wouldn't want the niggling doubt.
Except for stuff like water bottle holders, that sort of thing. I'd risk it for that.
Not handlebars, I know, but I stumbled on this Bikeradar review of which seatposts absorb vibrations and bumps the best. Has anyone tried any of ‘em?
SVS said:
Not handlebars, I know, but I stumbled on this Bikeradar review of which seatposts absorb vibrations and bumps the best. Has anyone tried any of ‘em?
I’ve got the VCLS carbon seat post on my Canyon Endurace.Simply put, it works...
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