Carbon handlebars

[ab1981]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to replace the handlebars on my Giant XTC hardtail. I've come up with the following options
FSA K-Force
Pro XCR
or
Truvativ Noir T40

I'm looking for a riser set not flat. Anyone had any experience with these bars? Or could anyone recommend a carbon set of bars under $150?

Cheers
Adam

[Crittski]

Enve riser bar for $160

[limetang]

I got me an Easton EC70 carbon riser bar from torpedo7 for about $90. Very nice, stiff, light and they look sweet!!

[poohbear]

does this makes the bike a tad lighter? any other usages?

[andylo]

In photography, carbon tripod save very little re weight, but more importantly it help to absorb unwanted vibration. So I would assume it would be the same with bike. Save little weight, but more importantly it makes the ride more pleasant, especially to the arms?

Just my guess

[andylo]

poohbear: http://mountainbikefaq.com/2010/02/alum ... handlebars

[trailgumby]

I have some EC70s on my Rize. They are indeed stiff, and save a few grams. However, the EC70 seatpost is actually heavier than the Thomson Elite I took out. Yeah, I know... matchy matchy... vanity...

The Thomson seatposts and handlebars are top shelf kit, minus the top shelf price, and I'd go that way next time.

[limetang]

Indeed they take a bit of the vibration away! Funny about the Thompson stuff though, Ive had no end of problems with my saddle rails sliding back nearly every ride despite ridiculous torque (Fizik tundra by the way) . I was thinking of swapping for a EC70

[trailgumby]

Tried carbon paste? (Yes I know Thomson is alloy.)

After today's bicycle fit session with Blair at The Body Mechanic I'm now after some 40mm rise EC 70s.

[silentbutdeadly]

Indeed they take a bit of the vibration away! Funny about the Thompson stuff though, Ive had no end of problems with my saddle rails sliding back nearly every ride despite ridiculous torque (Fizik tundra by the way) . I was thinking of swapping for a EC70

The problem is the Fizik...not the seatpost!!! OK I might be jesting a bit but it is worth noting that (as well as being fundamentally uncomfortable) they do actually have narrow-ish rails which the Thompson doesn't have much time for. That's why on my Anthem, Giant supplied two different seatpost couplers so you could change out the saddle and still use the seatpost. I'm still using the seatpost (still saving for another Thomp) but the saddle is long gone (actually about to see duty on a mate's old Rincon).

As for carbon bars...most are more flexy than their equivalent model in alloy and not that much lighter either. Add to that the palaver about alloy to carbon joinery at the stem, cockpit component fitting etc and the inevitable crash and I could convert temptation into financial outlay. However if I was running a rigid front end then I'd seriously consider it.