Timo 2.0

Indeed, just like a slim stem slim handlebars look better with a classic steel frame (and 26.0mm bars are not noticeably more flexy)

Kimmo

A 26mm bar that weighs the same as a 31.8mm bar is most definitely more flexible, and IME they're noticeably more flexible unless they're steel or boat anchor thick-walled.

What's more, most 26mm bar/stem combos are flat out hanging onto each other landing off a gutter with your hands on the hoods; it's a totally undercooked spec. With 31.8, you can hammer it like that all day, no problem.

It deserves maximum pimpage; it's freaking sweet.

Timo 2.0

joejack951 uses a Ritchey Classic handlebar. The 42cm version weighs 301gr. No way is a 26.0mm bar of similar weight too flexible. And the "gutter" all depends on your choice of bars and personal preferences.

Kimmo

Like I said, boat anchor. A 220g ally bar is plenty stiff in 31.8, but sketchy in 26.

The simple fact is 26 is undercooked. How many times BITD have you seen bars that had rotated in the clamp? Quite a few, I bet. It was a spec born when bars were steel.

Timo 2.0

With a 1980's mid-range steel frame plus steel fork, Shimano 105 parts, Aksium wheels, Kalloy stem and Ritchey bars, I doubt an 80gr weight difference is an issue when picking a new stem and bars

What does BITD mean?

TimothyH

BITD = back in the day

Timo 2.0

Aha, I still use 26.0 bars (from Schmolke, Syntace, 3ttt and Scott) combined with Syntace F99 and F139 stems I've never had any issues. Back in the day (I suppose he means the 1990's) we had to do with one-bolt clamps instead of the 4-bolt ones used by Syntace (which also have rubber inserts to further enhance friction between bars and stem).

joejack951

I have a 26mm and 31.8mm version of essentially the same Ritchey WCS bar (~240 grams for each) and riding them back to back sold me on the 'oversize' bars. Whether it is the clamp being more secure or the bars themselves being stiffer or more likely a little of both, I notice a difference and I'm not even that powerful of a cyclist. I do ride a lot of steep hills, though, and don't shy away from standing.

joejack951

Hey, don't pick on my stem That Kalloy Uno stem is one of the lighter options out there. And the conversion headset saves a decent chunk of weight over the other options. Vittoria Corsa G+ tires aren't exactly heavy weights either. The wheels are on there until I build something better. Groupset was picked because of the black levers and brake calipers, and this was never intended to be a truly light bike, mostly a budget-friendly modernized classic frame. The handlebars are heavy, no doubt, but realistically I'm saving 50-60 grams using something else, spending a lot more, and I'd be stuck dealing with figuring out how to get a matching finish.

But if it would appease all the Hot R' Not'ers, perhaps I'll just go find some super light bars and polish/paint the center section to match, build some ultralight wheels, and come up with some other goofy things I can do to cut weight off my mid-range 80's steel frame bike build

Timo 2.0

By all means, your bike deserves to be form over weight! This is "hot or not", not "weightweenies"

Kimmo

I was bearing the thread topic in mind with my digression; the idea being that form follows function, and that what works well should look good.

A four-arm crank is a good example; most of us appreciate the traditional aesthetic of a five-arm crank, and when Shimano ditched it, many of us found the new look tough to get used to. But the FC-9000 has definitely grown on me; part of my philosophy regarding such things is to actively integrate functional improvements into my ideas of what looks good. I'm not a fan of arbitrary styling; to my mind the form of a component should be completely dictated by functional considerations, with only the surface finish being an exception.

As such, I'm a fan of what Shimano is doing with anodising these days, and I hope they take it further... I'm not so keen on the odd little asymmetries and styling lines you see on their cranks though. Here's hoping for a less ugly future

Kimmo

I already picked on it I have one gathering dust, because it's too light.

themidge

How long is yours? Mine is 100mm and plenty stiff enough for steep hills and sprinting.

noodle soup

worst pickup line ever.



I'll be here all week. Try the veal.

themidge

Haha! I could have phrased that one better

sooni

Hit me

kbarch

Verging on hot. I like the scheme overall - a nice balance of flair and modesty.
Not a fan of the stem or the hoods for that matter, but the orange bar tape is pretty nice. I always like the idea of colored bar tape, but it rarely works out as well as it does here.

noodle soup

What's wrong with the hoods?

sooni

Probably the slight upward angle, which is coming down soon as I stretch out a bit more. Same with the stem but it is 0 degrees and works for me.

noodle soup

the levers should be lower on the bars, but the bars are positioned as they should be.

kbarch

Hmm - perhaps that's what makes them look swollen, like the stem. That and the closeup perspective.

zatopek

Sooni, your BMC is the schnizzle. Mic drop. Lights out. Drive home safely.
What are your riding impressions?

Rocket-Sauce 

Getting a little off topic here, but Nitto UI-12 is nicer looking (which is all that matters in Hot or Not!) and cheaper than VO


I considered the Factory 5, but it only comes in 1 length (80mm -too short), and the bulbous end looks wrong with a bar installed. If the top were flat and (with the "bulb" underneath) and came in longer lengths, it would be much more tempting.

seau grateau

The Factory 5 stem is dumb and goofy looking, and from what I hear, about as stiff as spaghetti.

noodle soup

+1

Not too mention it's only available in a 90mm length.