Armstrong's ALUMINUM handlebars
#51
Still can't climb
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that's not paranoia. it is good sense
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coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
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#52
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Mine made a loud (as in seriously loud) "crack" sound when they broke. I almost lost my balance but fortunately nothing happened. Also I was only like a mile away from home so it wasn't too bad riding, steering with one hand
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This is the basis for why Pros use aluminum. Not that CF bars are gonna spontaneously explode, but if they go down in a pile up or crash and hop on their bike to continue race, it is not worth the risk as the handlebars are likely to hit ground first. I am not surprised that their training bikes have carbon bars.
#54
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I have seen several aluminum and a few carbon bars break. I have seen two aluminum stems and (to date) no carbon stems break. I have never seen a steel bar or stem break. So the solution to your fears is simple.
Put on some steel, you babies. As several have pointed out, weight is not really an issue...
Put on some steel, you babies. As several have pointed out, weight is not really an issue...
#55
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You guys suck. I just bought a set of Easton slx carbon bars which I'm now going to return :-( I'll save a bit of money though, easton ea70's are on sale....
#56
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Not sure it adds to the discussion, but i scored a new set of EA70 bars for $28 from Jenson. If they're good enough for big George.......
#57
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#58
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I've noticed in a few places that the entire Radio Shack team (that Lance fellow included) road with Bontrager RL aluminum alloy handlebars in the Tour Down Under.
https://www.theroaddiaries.com/?p=1602
https://tweetphoto.com/8916936
Bontrager/Trek (the bike sponsor of Radio Shack) also manufacture carbon bars which are supposedly lighter and stiffer. I'm assuming that cost isn't an issue at this level of the sport - so why the alloy bars?
https://www.theroaddiaries.com/?p=1602
https://tweetphoto.com/8916936
Bontrager/Trek (the bike sponsor of Radio Shack) also manufacture carbon bars which are supposedly lighter and stiffer. I'm assuming that cost isn't an issue at this level of the sport - so why the alloy bars?
#59
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To a certain degree, its a maintenence issue. CF may fail catastrpohically if its been over tightened or subject to an impact. Mechanics tend to not like CF bars because they need to take off the tape and inspect everytime the bike gets knocked over, etc.
One the other hand, Al bars can fail catastrophicallyy from corrossion. In a high humidity, and salt air environment, combined with trainer use, Al bars are probably morle likey to fail than Cf.
Bottom line is follow torque specs, and inspect regulary, whatever material you use.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
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OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#60
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#63
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Yes, Hincapie was riding an aluminum steerer in the 2006 Paris-Roubaix (when it spontaneously failed):
https://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/...baix_postbikes
https://www.tdfblog.com/2006/04/parisroubaix_ca.html
https://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/...baix_postbikes
https://www.tdfblog.com/2006/04/parisroubaix_ca.html
#64
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Both Aluminum and CF can fail and fail catastrophically.
To a certain degree, its a maintenence issue. CF may fail catastrpohically if its been over tightened or subject to an impact. Mechanics tend to not like CF bars because they need to take off the tape and inspect everytime the bike gets knocked over, etc.
One the other hand, Al bars can fail catastrophicallyy from corrossion. In a high humidity, and salt air environment, combined with trainer use, Al bars are probably morle likey to fail than Cf.
Bottom line is follow torque specs, and inspect regulary, whatever material you use.
To a certain degree, its a maintenence issue. CF may fail catastrpohically if its been over tightened or subject to an impact. Mechanics tend to not like CF bars because they need to take off the tape and inspect everytime the bike gets knocked over, etc.
One the other hand, Al bars can fail catastrophicallyy from corrossion. In a high humidity, and salt air environment, combined with trainer use, Al bars are probably morle likey to fail than Cf.
Bottom line is follow torque specs, and inspect regulary, whatever material you use.
Easier to jump on the "carbon is scary" bandwagon.
#65
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Both Aluminum and CF can fail and fail catastrophically.
To a certain degree, its a maintenence issue. CF may fail catastrpohically if its been over tightened or subject to an impact. Mechanics tend to not like CF bars because they need to take off the tape and inspect everytime the bike gets knocked over, etc.
One the other hand, Al bars can fail catastrophicallyy from corrossion. In a high humidity, and salt air environment, combined with trainer use, Al bars are probably morle likey to fail than Cf.
Bottom line is follow torque specs, and inspect regulary, whatever material you use.
To a certain degree, its a maintenence issue. CF may fail catastrpohically if its been over tightened or subject to an impact. Mechanics tend to not like CF bars because they need to take off the tape and inspect everytime the bike gets knocked over, etc.
One the other hand, Al bars can fail catastrophicallyy from corrossion. In a high humidity, and salt air environment, combined with trainer use, Al bars are probably morle likey to fail than Cf.
Bottom line is follow torque specs, and inspect regulary, whatever material you use.
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#66
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I agree with the arguments for aluminum bars vs carbon. I like my 3T Ergosum bars. I did read in Mt. Bike Action a comparison between carbon bars vs aluminum bars. They covered both in cardboard so that the testers could not see the different but could only feel the different. The carbon bars always came out as much more comfortable in damping trail buzz but the aluminum were noticeably more responsive.
My carbon road fork with the carbon steering tube is much more flexy than the one with the aluminum steering tube.
My carbon road fork with the carbon steering tube is much more flexy than the one with the aluminum steering tube.
#67
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Yep, I was refering more to Hincapies strength before lightness comment.
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#68
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Sort of on the same topic, I have shied away from carbon forks for a similar reason. I'm 185 now, and have always been afraid of a carbon fork catastrophic failure - as botto said, if you have a fondness of your teeth. Is this a justified fear? Is it easy to tell when a fork has been compromised, potentially causing a break at 40 mph downhill?
#69
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I watched a video about the Pinarellos of Team Sky and one rider had an aluminum stem and handlebar because the person showing the bike off claimed it was stiffer for him(the rider).