How much should an handlebar flex?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: South Italy
Posts: 1,015
Bikes: BMC SLR01; Cannondale Trail; Lot's of project and vintage bikes..
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 333 Post(s)
Liked 168 Times
in
101 Posts
How much should an handlebar flex?
I was looking some review regarding an handlebar and a guy replied me on YouTube that the handlebar He's using is flexing about 5-8mm (the rider weight 80kg and the riding type is aggressive).
How much should a carbon handlebar flex in a normal conditions?
Assuming an high output of watts for example in a final sprinting, how much should an handlebar flex?
maybe the tread is very stupid but for me those millimeters of flexing is abnormal.
How much should a carbon handlebar flex in a normal conditions?
Assuming an high output of watts for example in a final sprinting, how much should an handlebar flex?
maybe the tread is very stupid but for me those millimeters of flexing is abnormal.
#2
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
In the days when I was racing at the peak of my fitness, and putting out a lot of watts in a sprint, I preferred a stiff CF handlebar. It probably was flexing, but I didn't ever want to feel that flex in my hands, in those conditions. I'm not doing any max-effort sprinting these days, but I still prefer a firm handlebar feel on my road bike, during hard efforts.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: South Italy
Posts: 1,015
Bikes: BMC SLR01; Cannondale Trail; Lot's of project and vintage bikes..
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 333 Post(s)
Liked 168 Times
in
101 Posts
In the days when I was racing at the peak of my fitness, and putting out a lot of watts in a sprint, I preferred a stiff CF handlebar. It probably was flexing, but I didn't ever want to feel that flex in my hands, in those conditions. I'm not doing any max-effort sprinting these days, but I still prefer a firm handlebar feel on my road bike, during hard efforts.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
My gravel bike, however, is different. I prefer a little bit of compliance.
I probably didn't answer your question at all.
this let me think
#4
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,997
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4957 Post(s)
Liked 8,099 Times
in
3,833 Posts
Part of my thinking was that I didn't want any of my power lost to flexing parts. I don't know how much of that is a real concern, but that was my thought. In reality, there was probably a lot more flex than I was aware of.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Likes For Eric F:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,100
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1401 Post(s)
Liked 1,886 Times
in
1,085 Posts
how much flex in normal conditions ?
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
Likes For t2p:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,100
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1401 Post(s)
Liked 1,886 Times
in
1,085 Posts
lightweight handlebar - and a little ‘flexy’ ... could feel it when you were out of the saddle (especially compared to standard Cinelli handlebar or whatever)
sprinter like you prob would not like this handlebar - but for me it was prob a good thing ... small guy on a stiff Cannondale
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,691
Bikes: Too many bikes, too little time to ride
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 431 Post(s)
Liked 460 Times
in
318 Posts
how much flex in normal conditions ?
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
depends on a few variables
interesting read on road handlebar testing :
https://blog.fairwheelbikes.com/revi...dlebar-review/
a little dated - but still good read
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Denver area (Ken Caryl Valley)
Posts: 1,803
Bikes: 2022 Moots RCS, 2014 BMC SLR01 DA Mech, 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, Ibis Ripmo, Trek Top Fuel, Specialized Levo SL, Norco Bigfoot VLT
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 464 Post(s)
Liked 182 Times
in
118 Posts
The more the better, for me as a recreational rider. I seek out flexier bars for all my biking- road, Mtn, gravel, and fat snow.
#9
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,116
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1790 Post(s)
Liked 1,631 Times
in
934 Posts
I can confirm that the FSA Kwing is indeed very flexy. I'd venture to say the point of being too much.
I have 2 obtained at various times under different circumstances.
The first was used on a single ride. Vague, and disconnected are words I would use to describe it. I basically removed it the moment I walk through the door after returning from the ride.
The second bar is on a gravel bike. It completely sucks the life out of the bike in a general sense but it does indeed smooth out rough terrain. On that bike I am squarely undecided. It would shine on cobbles.
I'd say the Kwing is suited to much stiffer rides than I own.
Too much of anything isn't always a good thing.
I have 2 obtained at various times under different circumstances.
The first was used on a single ride. Vague, and disconnected are words I would use to describe it. I basically removed it the moment I walk through the door after returning from the ride.
The second bar is on a gravel bike. It completely sucks the life out of the bike in a general sense but it does indeed smooth out rough terrain. On that bike I am squarely undecided. It would shine on cobbles.
I'd say the Kwing is suited to much stiffer rides than I own.
Too much of anything isn't always a good thing.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: 757
Posts: 11,255
Bikes: Madone, Emonda, 5500, Ritchey Breakaway
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10238 Post(s)
Liked 5,185 Times
in
2,226 Posts
I have never noticed any flexing on the cervelo carbon bars or the madone slr cockpit. I was never lookin though, didn’t realize that was an issue. I was told to stay away from the amazon bars because they flex a lot. I almost feel like that would be nerve racking if my bars were flexing in a sprint.
#11
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,111
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3432 Post(s)
Liked 3,567 Times
in
1,793 Posts
I have never noticed any flexing on the cervelo carbon bars or the madone slr cockpit. I was never lookin though, didn’t realize that was an issue. I was told to stay away from the amazon bars because they flex a lot. I almost feel like that would be nerve racking if my bars were flexing in a sprint.
I'd be more concerned about turning on a descent. Hitting a hole or bump during a turn might be disconcerting, as the bars would suddenly flex.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,547
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1529 Post(s)
Liked 718 Times
in
510 Posts
The flex only slows you down if there's significant hysteresis associated with it, ie if it doesn't return almost all the energy into the system when it unflexes. And if it saves you energy by isolating you from harshness, you'll be faster over long distances.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Posts: 2,751
Bikes: Merlin Extra Light, Orbea Orca, Ritchey Outback,Tomac Revolver Mountain Bike, Cannondale Crit 3.0 now used for time trials.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 126 Post(s)
Liked 55 Times
in
34 Posts
I remember my old Lemond Drop In (Scott I think) from the early 1990s. Super flexy and to my mind back then, this was good for increased comfort. Now, the Ritchey WCS alloy bars that I use are dead stiff as are the 3T carbon bars on another bike; no complaints and a prefered feel for me.