Carbon Bar / Stem Question
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Carbon Bar / Stem Question
I just purchased a 2022 Farley 9.6 and I was thinking of replacing the AL bars w/ Carbon. The question is: do I need to replace my AL Stem with Carbon as well?
I’m not going to jump the bike, I’m just looking for comfort.
Thanks
I’m not going to jump the bike, I’m just looking for comfort.
Thanks
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You do not need to replace your stem, but use some carbon assembly compound and adhere to the clamping torque specs on the bar.
Last edited by Rolla; 07-19-22 at 02:48 PM.
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If you think changing your bars to CF will improve comfort, you are wrong. A different bar might be more comfortable but not because it is CF. And no, you don't need to get a CF stem. I have an Al stem and CF bars with nearly 70K miles on them. Zero issues.
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Thank you both for your comments. A little weigh savings never hurt.
I suppose the next question would be: are super expensive Carbon bars worth the extra cost over the $50.00 ones?
I suppose the next question would be: are super expensive Carbon bars worth the extra cost over the $50.00 ones?
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Saving weight
That bike weighs in at over 28 lbs
If you want to shed weight...
I can think of only one way to save 28+ pounds !
And it's not changing the Bars.
Barry
A more serious answer.
Work out was you can save on a Grams per Dollar scale.
You may find that even tires / tubes are a cheaper weight saving than bars.
Cassette is another place I've searched for savings.
Happy hunting.
If you want to shed weight...
I can think of only one way to save 28+ pounds !
And it's not changing the Bars.
Barry
A more serious answer.
Work out was you can save on a Grams per Dollar scale.
You may find that even tires / tubes are a cheaper weight saving than bars.
Cassette is another place I've searched for savings.
Happy hunting.
Last edited by Barry2; 07-19-22 at 03:33 PM.
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There might be bettter options If you are looking for "comfort" in terms of vibration reduction? look into suspension stems maybe?
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Carbon bars have long been known to damp some frequencies of vibration, leading to more comfort. Extrapolate the change to an entire frameset and the ride quality can be downright shockingly different.
Damping out unwanted buzz or vibration, improves comfort.
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No, carbon bars do not dampen out vibrations. They are quite rigid, and the tiny amount of bending they do is elastic bending. Elastic structures cannot absorb vibrations.
If you want a more comfortable cockpit, get some cushy bar tape or squishy grips (or padded gloves), and ignore the myth and lore.
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Last edited by terrymorse; 07-19-22 at 11:40 PM.
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Hoo boy. Can't we just relegate this discussion to the other "materials" thread already in progress? Or just review the hundreds of inconclusive threads just like it?
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I’ve noticed a difference in vibration damping on flat bars going to CF. Not massive but it is there. Likely makes no practical difference on a town bike, but on a MTB ridden in rough terrain it does.
The.differwnce is more noticeable with drop bars.
Whether it is “worth” the extra cost for that and the weight savings is entirely subjective
I don't screw around with cheap CF bars. I stuck with reputable brands,
The.differwnce is more noticeable with drop bars.
Whether it is “worth” the extra cost for that and the weight savings is entirely subjective
I don't screw around with cheap CF bars. I stuck with reputable brands,
Last edited by Kapusta; 07-19-22 at 08:50 PM.
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I wouldn't buy cheap carbon stuff that is crucial. Maybe a carbon derailleur cage or something silly like that but I still wouldn't bother. If I am really interested in comfort I might try some some titanium bars or maybe look at the vibracore bars from Spank. I would also look at some different grips or just not worry so much.
If you want carbon bars go for it but don't buy them to get more comfort or anything and don't waste the time on the cheap stuff. Me personally I would go for some Koga Denham or Velo Orange Crazy Bars or Surly Moloko bars. Assuming you are going to have fun on the bike maybe do a little camping and stuff those would be a good way to go and the Moloko Bars are nice because they are 4130 chromoly.
If you want carbon bars go for it but don't buy them to get more comfort or anything and don't waste the time on the cheap stuff. Me personally I would go for some Koga Denham or Velo Orange Crazy Bars or Surly Moloko bars. Assuming you are going to have fun on the bike maybe do a little camping and stuff those would be a good way to go and the Moloko Bars are nice because they are 4130 chromoly.
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I’ve noticed a difference in vibration damping on flat bars going to CF. Not massive but it is there. Likely makes no practical difference on a town bike, but on a MTB ridden in rough terrain it does.
The.differwnce is more noticeable with drop bars.
Whether it is “worth” the extra cost for that and the weight savings is entirely subjective
I don't screw around with cheap CF bars. I stuck with reputable brands,
The.differwnce is more noticeable with drop bars.
Whether it is “worth” the extra cost for that and the weight savings is entirely subjective
I don't screw around with cheap CF bars. I stuck with reputable brands,
Now, bar tape and underlying gel cushioning - yes there is a difference for me. But the bars, no.
I haven't been afflicted by weight-weenieism for a few years but IIRC, you can get inexpensive aluminum road bars weighting, say, 300 grams, and good CF bars aren't much lighter than 200 grams? I could be wrong, but saving maybe 3 ounces on a 29 pound bike? Anyone can spend their money anyway they want. Me? I'd save my money and in the future get a lightweight bike where lightweight parts are appropriate. Plus, for much cheaper, maybe for $0 if they need to be replaced anyway, you can save quite a bit of weight with higher quality tires and lightweight tubes and improve the ride much more than any handlebar switch will do (which, imho is none for the bars).
Last edited by Camilo; 07-19-22 at 09:36 PM.
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Yes, it is all subjective, and that is ultimately that matters in this case: How do the bars FEEL.
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I have noticed some vibration dampening with carbon forks, carbon seatpost and carbon handlebars.
There is a reason why virtually every rigid fork out there is made of carbon and pretty much none made of aluminum.
There is a reason why virtually every rigid fork out there is made of carbon and pretty much none made of aluminum.
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I think you might be surprised by the number of aluminum forks out there.
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some of the options include Enve, Ritchey (Superlogic), Thomson ... not sure if Easton still produced
grips can also vary in weight
Last edited by t2p; 07-20-22 at 07:56 AM.
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Same exact tires/pressure going from my old alloy Crockett with alloy bars to a modern TCX with carbon frame and bars it's light years different on rough terrain. The Crockett would beat the hell out of me. And I ran more bar tape on the Crockett.
Carbon layup strategy matters.
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I swapped the stock Al bar on my Fat Bike for a CF one shortly after getting it, so I can’t really compare the ride difference.
One advantage I have read about is that CF does not conduct heat nearly as efficiently as Al, so in the winter the grips are not as cold.
To be honest, there are probably better ways to invest $170 in your bike (tires, likely) other than a CF bar just for the hell of it. If you find you want a new bar for fit reasons (like wider or a different sweep) then it can be worth considering.
Edit: OK, now I see that bike comes with pretty decent tires, Those might already be what you want. Maybe save for a more winter or summer specific set.
Last edited by Kapusta; 07-20-22 at 08:32 AM.
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100 gram weight reduction for $100 (extra) - it can be a challenge to find weight reduction like this
and many wide alloy riser bars are over 300 grams
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Me personally I would go for some Koga Denham or Velo Orange Crazy Bars or Surly Moloko bars.
Assuming you are going to have fun on the bike maybe do a little camping and stuff those would be a good way to go and the Moloko Bars are nice because they are 4130 chromoly.
Assuming you are going to have fun on the bike maybe do a little camping and stuff those would be a good way to go and the Moloko Bars are nice because they are 4130 chromoly.
on a bike with an OCLV carbon fiber frame ?