Scratched my handlebars, should I worry?
 

First, if this is the wrong section, apologies.

Well, I done goofed today. Installed cheap bike mirrors on my folding bike. And scratched my handlebars right by the grips. Decided to make a search, and see that scratches can be dangerous. And since I don't to suddenly have my face full of asphalt because my handlebars decided to call it quits on a whim, I am asking a question: is this something to worry, or can I carry on and "live and learn"? I'd attach a picture, but I don't have 10 posts to be able to do so, so here is a link to the picture, to see it remove the [remove] parts: http[remove]s://ibb.[remove]co/3yCL7NL

Thanks in advance, and apologies if linking to pics like this is against the rules, I read them, and didn't see anything against it.

here is your pic...
https://i.ibb.co/mCcMGqM/22fb7f.png


https://ibb.co/3yCL7NL

Excited that we have a noob that knows how to obfuscate a URL. Too many don't even try.

Welcome to BF!

I don't think I own a handlebar that doesn't have those kinds of scratches. Scratches can be dangerous if they're deep and/or if the part is ultra thin or carbon fiber. Doesn't look like any of those apply, so I wouldn't give it a second thought.

If that's a metal handlebar, as it appears it is (either aluminum or steel), then you should have no worries at all.

I assume those are aluminum bars with a black finish. I probably wouldn't worry about it. But I'd check regularly.

Less of a problem if you only do leisurely rides. But the more your riding is like BMX races, then more careful you should be with them.

Yes, the handlebars are aluminum. The sole use of this bike is as a city commuter. Some potholes, bad-ish roads etc.

And thanks for uploading my photo of the scratches, Iride01.

Nicks and gouges on aluminum parts can be stress risers for fatigue failure - good idea to keep an eye on them because you don't want handlebars to fail.
But those look like minimal worry.

I miss UseNet newsreaders too.

I wouldn't give those scratches a second thought. For the most part, all you have done is removed paint. If it bothers you, touch it up with paint or simply hit it with a Sharpie marker.

I have to correct myself. The handlebars are steel - I just checked with a magnet. Should have done that in the first place. Well, brain fade. So, when it comes to that, does that fact make it worse or better? Or equal?

Minor scratch on a steel bar. It'll never be a structural issue. No worry at all. It's less of a risk than glare from the sun on the silver scratch getting in your eyes.... :D From the pictures it's almost certainly just a paint scratch.

Steel probably makes it better, but it just doesn't matter. Those look like superficial scratches that barely go paint-deep. Fuggettaboutit.