bikerjp

Looking to put on new bars/stem and maybe seat post on my caad9. Zipp is what my LBS carries and some other average stuff. Both are about $100 each. the Zipp bars don't seem to be amazingly light - 260g or so based on the website but I've seen alloy bars with claimed weight of just over 200 (like Deda newton according to the QBP book) and about the same price. I'm not sure what they weigh in reality.

blcknspo0ln

Subjective question, my friend. IMO, no, because I'm not a pro or even close to a 'good' rec rider to be able to tell the difference... unless you count the placebo effect.

bikerjp

I guess I meant comparatively speaking. You can buy average alloy bars for $50 or so. For about $100 I could get Zipps. I would assume they are better than average but I guess that's question. Are they better or am I just paying for name? However, they are similar in price to Deda, 3T and a bit more than Easton.

Triguy

The Zipp stuff looks really good. You are right though, it's not particularly light. It gets good reviews, but so do lots of component makers alloy stuff.

The Deda numbers are generally no where close to realistic. Last I heard the Newton shallows were around 260 grams.

If I were shopping for matching alloy stem, seatpost and bars at a decent price, weight and stiffness I'd look to Ritchey WCS. It should be comparable in weight(if not lighter) and stiffness to the Zipp stuff but save $10-40 dollars per piece over the Zipp SC SL stuff.

I <3 Robots

Its up to you. It think its more important to find a bar that fits your hands best.

bikerjp

^That's why I'm trying to buy local but choices are limited - particularly for something a bit nicer as most shops only carry a couple average items. The zipps feel nice but not sure I'm gaining much over the stock bars except respect . They do have a little ergo bend in the drops that feels comfortable.

Those Ritchey look nice but like most things "we can order it for you."

I <3 Robots

Your in a tough spot then. Like many things we do...its all in trial and error. If your comfortable with your current bar dimension...look for another bar that is similar in dimension.

I'm actually going from carbon to aluminum. Switching out my Easton EC90 SLX for the Zipp Service Course CSL.

bikerjp

Most seem to go the other direction. I'm not really interested in carbon partly due to cost. What made you decide to go the other way?

Have you figured out how the CSL is different from the SL? Seems they have a shorter reach but beyond that I can't really tell. Their website doesn't give much info. I've been mostly eyeing the short and shallow option.

Mike F

If your looking for a new matched cockpit Williams systems has some pretty light inexpensive stuff. They are pretty new so reviews are hard to find. Im currently using the Zipp SC Sl bars and have no complaints.

bianchi10

A lot of the stuff I buy is not because I NEED it. its because its for bragging rights and self awarness that I have expensive stuff. It doesn't really make me a better/faster rider. My Ritchey carbon bars are just fine, yet because Soloist assassin forced his zipp vuka sprint bars in my face over and over I find myself now wanting them. I have NO idea how they would fit me or how I would like them. Zipp posts/stems/bars are far from the lightest, but look cool and work well.

I <3 Robots

A big reason is cost. I'm moving to narrower bars. The SC CSL is closest to size to my Easton bar that Zipp makes. Their carbon bars have too much reach at the hoods.

I think the CSL has a bit more curve in the drops than the SL.

Also the 404 tubulars I just got left my wallet pretty light... so I got some weight savings there.

ruskko

i run the zipp scsl bars and i love them the shape the weight is awesome imo.

Trek760

Thomson... lighter and looks damn good.

veganeric

The Ritchey and Williams suggestions are good if you're willing to order. One thing I like about the Zipp bars is their shape matches that of their carbon bars. Something to consider if you think you may upgrade in the future. If your budget allows I'd also check out Token carbon bars. They can be found for around $175, have favorable reviews, and are only a hair heavier than Zipp SLs.

DropDeadFred

Yes /thread

Perp

On my Cervelo, I run William's saddle, stem and bars (all carbon)

Advertised weight is +-1-2g and no complaints of stiffness. I love the shape of the bars. Having said that, I just ordered a zipp stem for my Tarmac. It's heavier, but I like the looks better lol.

bikerjp

I don't NEED new bars either. Mine work and I can ride the bike. I just want to try something different and hopefully better in some way be it looks or weight or performance or whatever. No one wants to go backwards. I also want something reasonably priced. An extra $30 or so for a nice bar I can buy locally isn't too bad.

Thanks. I think those are the ones I saw and they "felt" pretty light and looked pretty cool too. I think they were the beyond black ones.