K2 / Proflex Riders Group

General => Tech Forum => Topic started by: Mr.Ed on March 10, 2005, 05:47:45 am

Title: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Mr.Ed on March 10, 2005, 05:47:45 am
 Who's got em' ?

Comments about them please...

Was thinkin about the EC 70's currently being  blown  out by several online retailers....

I am 180 pounds and do not drop off anything over  3 feet, ....unless its a crash !!

 well???  what say you ??

experiences please...........
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Dennis on March 10, 2005, 05:57:24 am
Get carbon bars, got 'em on three out of five bikes.

never had a problem with 'em on mountain bikes, and I do a bit of jumping and drops 3-4 ft. I am about 170 lbs. (less in summer) carbon bars work great.

I did have a problem with Kestrel road bars. it wasn't the bar's fault. I was using a temporary stem (cheapo) that had burrs on the inside of the clamping area. the stem caused deep scratches in the bar, and it started to delaminate. did not break.

so, I change to a Moots "carbon bar compatible" stem, got a Zipp B2 handlebar, and over 3,000 miles later, absolute bliss.

the only thing to make sure of is that the clamping area on the stem is smooth along the edges so that it does not damage the carbon. most new stems of decent quality should be ok. you can round over the edges on the stem with a file or sandpaper to smooth it out if you have any concerns.

hope this helps.

[smiley=groucho.gif]
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: shovelon on March 10, 2005, 06:40:55 am
Ditto,



Both my bikes have Monkeylite Risers. The 26 inch wide I have had for 4 years with no problems. The 24 inch SL is lite but lless shock absorbing.



Terry
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Mr.Ed on March 10, 2005, 07:00:45 am
hey thanks for the positive words...

I was a little concerned about the stem issue.... I think my Kore stem will be ok though.

The carbon will be way lighter than the Koski risers I have on now ...

Ed
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Simon on March 10, 2005, 08:11:59 am
Yep been using Easton monkylite SL's for nearly 2 years now,taken plenty of abuse without giving me cause for concern,I was a little worried at first as they weighed in even less than they claimed,agree with the comments on installation, its critical that they are not subjected to any sharp edges etc,my son has just fitted Answer Pro taper carbon bars and is very pleased with them,good value too.
Simon.
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Mr.Ed on March 10, 2005, 08:56:11 am
 I imagine grip shifters would have to be fairly tight in order to not rotate and score the carbon?

anybody got them?

the bars should come with torque specs, right?
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: GaryF52 on March 10, 2005, 11:09:26 am
Have a set of Answer carbon bars with XO grip shifters.  No problems after one year of use.  The rubber grips really stick well to the carbon.  Don't think these will ever come off.
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Matno on March 10, 2005, 12:28:54 pm
Easton's bars are the best bars out there. Period. Strongest, light (almost lightEST), lifetime warranty. Can't beat that. Plus the carbon does actually have a better feel to it. Amazing but true - feels stiffer, yet smoother at the same time. No wonder people like carbon frames so much! (Wish I had one!)

I've had my MonkeyLites (26") for almost a year now, and they are sweet. I don't think I'll ever use anything else in the foreseeable future... My bro-in-law has pounded on his over MANY more miles than I have with no problems. From what I understand, in spite of the incredible warranty, Easton almost never has to replace any of their standard carbon bars. (The SL's come with a shorter 5 yr warranty, if I'm not mistaken).

Get the carbon, you will never have regrets and feel like it was money that could have been spent on something better...
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: ChilliConCarnage on March 10, 2005, 12:47:15 pm
Just to add to the discussion - I really like my RaceFace NEXT carbon riser bars - they have a titanium mesh at the stem clamping area that I think is a good idea.  At 175g they are not as light as the Eastons, but they are very sturdy and look great - probably the shiniest bars you'll ever see!
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Sprucey on March 10, 2005, 07:21:03 pm
I used easton flat bars for a long time and have Oval M800 risers on two of my mountain bikes and oversize Oval drops on my road bike - wouldn't use anything else other than carbon.

Sprucey
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: shovelon on March 11, 2005, 01:51:14 am
I use SRAM Rocket Halfpipes for over 2 lyears now on the SL with no problem.

Terry
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Carbon_Angus on March 11, 2005, 04:21:52 am
i have Monkey Lite's (26) on the Oz and a Performance carbon riser on a hartail. Love them both. I also have a flat carbon bar that is very light but not on a bike at the moment.

no problems.

follow mfg recos.

[smiley=beer.gif]

Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Mr.Ed on March 11, 2005, 04:31:47 am
WOW   excellent, thanks for the thoughts guys'

I ordered them   cant wait to get em' now !!


Ed
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Dennis on March 11, 2005, 07:48:18 am
I know  you already ordered 'em, but to add:
I have grip shifters (sachs and precision billet) on carbon bars, one is Easton riser, the other is LP flat bar.

also have ODI lock-on grips and LP bar ends on the LP flat bar.

no problems, just make sure, like I said in first post, that there are no sharp edges. you could put a piece of electrical tape around bar where clamps of grip shifter or brakes levers go if you are concerned. I would not put tape around the area where the stem clamps on.

good luck with your carbon bars, Mr. Ed! you'll love 'em!!

[smiley=groucho.gif]
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: Mr.Ed on March 11, 2005, 09:02:24 am
Hey  thanks again!

Dennis, I was thinking the electrical tape thing !

Was kind of wondering if anyone else has done it!!

Ed
Title: Re: Carbon Bars ???
Post by: xasxsa on March 15, 2005, 03:31:16 am
i have carbon on my bike. they seem just as strong as aluminum and slightly lighter. they only thing is, aluminum crimps when over stressed. carbon breaks, so you could be in for a nasty fall.