Originally Posted by
customsound79
It's really about the extra surface area on the flat tops. I have no fear of Chinese carbon, or special desire for it. Most of the expensive carbon components are made in China or Taiwan.
Firstly, there's a big difference between China and Taiwan when it comes to quality. Secondly, those "quality" parts are made to specification that they pass a minimum quality and safety limit, and being backed up with a warantee from a trusted company who's reputation is at stake. This is what you get when you buy a "Made in Taiwan" part from a reputable company. The "they're all made in the same factory" argument is a fallacy.
Who is guaranteeing the safety or quality control of a $60 carbon handbar off Amazon? I'm sorry, but I would not waste my money on substandard parts to fix an issue which is unlikely caused by your handlebars.
I'm am riding on the hoods most of the time but it doesn't matter where I put my hands.
So what happens if you ride with your hands on the tops? Do they still go numb? If yes then I'm not sure how a flat top handlebar is going to help.
Have you tried double wrapping your handlebars? Gel inserts? There's a lot of stuff you could try before replacing your bars.
Your issue may be technique, locking elbows and gripping too hard will cause numbness.