Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > General Cycling Discussion
Reload this Page >

Carbon Bar / Stem Question

Notices
General Cycling Discussion Have a cycling related question or comment that doesn't fit in one of the other specialty forums? Drop on in and post in here! When possible, please select the forum above that most fits your post!

Carbon Bar / Stem Question

Old 07-19-22, 02:27 PM
  #1  
dphillips
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Viroqua, WI
Posts: 13

Bikes: 1992 Clark Kent Custom Ti Dura-Ace Cross / Gravel Bike, 2017 Specialized Roubaix Di2, 2022 Specialized Roubaix AXS, 2021 Kona WOZO Fat Bike, 2022 Trek Farley 9.6 Fat Bike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Liked 10 Times in 2 Posts
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
dphillips is offline  
Old 07-19-22, 02:44 PM
  #2  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
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.
Rolla is offline  
Likes For Rolla:
Old 07-19-22, 03:00 PM
  #3  
KerryIrons
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 962
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 497 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 622 Times in 346 Posts
Originally Posted by dphillips
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.
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.
KerryIrons is offline  
Old 07-19-22, 03:06 PM
  #4  
dphillips
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Viroqua, WI
Posts: 13

Bikes: 1992 Clark Kent Custom Ti Dura-Ace Cross / Gravel Bike, 2017 Specialized Roubaix Di2, 2022 Specialized Roubaix AXS, 2021 Kona WOZO Fat Bike, 2022 Trek Farley 9.6 Fat Bike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Liked 10 Times in 2 Posts
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?
dphillips is offline  
Old 07-19-22, 03:28 PM
  #5  
Barry2 
LR÷P=HR
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 2,136

Bikes: 1981 Holdsworth Special, 1993 C-dale MT3000 & 1996 F700CAD3, 2018 Cervelo R3 & 2022 R5, JustGo Runt, Ridley Oval, Kickr Bike 8-)

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 848 Post(s)
Liked 1,161 Times in 671 Posts
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.​​​​​​​

Last edited by Barry2; 07-19-22 at 03:33 PM.
Barry2 is offline  
Old 07-19-22, 03:47 PM
  #6  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
Originally Posted by dphillips
are super expensive Carbon bars worth the extra cost over the $50.00 ones?
I don't have any experience with inexpensive carbon bars, but as crucial as handlebar integrity is, that's not the place I'd choose to save $.
Rolla is offline  
Likes For Rolla:
Old 07-19-22, 03:58 PM
  #7  
Eds0123
Full Member
 
Eds0123's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Spokane Area
Posts: 312

Bikes: 2021 Salsa Warbird, (Specially Love my) 2021 Salsa Cutthroat, 2012 Surly LHT, 2015 Surly Cross-Check, 2008 Giant OCR A1, 2005 Leader 735R, 2005 Gary Fisher Montare, 1991 Nishiki Pueblo,

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 84 Post(s)
Liked 56 Times in 37 Posts
Originally Posted by dphillips
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
There might be bettter options If you are looking for "comfort" in terms of vibration reduction? look into suspension stems maybe?
Eds0123 is offline  
Old 07-19-22, 04:12 PM
  #8  
burnthesheep
Newbie racer
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3,406

Bikes: Propel, red is faster

Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1575 Post(s)
Liked 1,568 Times in 973 Posts
Originally Posted by KerryIrons
If you think changing your bars to CF will improve comfort, you are wrong.
Unequivocally wrong.

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.
burnthesheep is offline  
Likes For burnthesheep:
Old 07-19-22, 06:27 PM
  #9  
terrymorse 
climber has-been
 
terrymorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,002

Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3335 Post(s)
Liked 3,436 Times in 1,737 Posts
Originally Posted by burnthesheep
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.
Myth, plain and simple.

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.
__________________
Ride, Rest, Repeat. ROUVY: terrymorse



Last edited by terrymorse; 07-19-22 at 11:40 PM.
terrymorse is offline  
Likes For terrymorse:
Old 07-19-22, 06:57 PM
  #10  
Rolla
Guest
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,269 Times in 1,439 Posts
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?
Rolla is offline  
Old 07-19-22, 08:28 PM
  #11  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
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,

Last edited by Kapusta; 07-19-22 at 08:50 PM.
Kapusta is offline  
Likes For Kapusta:
Old 07-19-22, 08:29 PM
  #12  
veganbikes
Clark W. Griswold
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,278

Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4252 Post(s)
Liked 3,865 Times in 2,578 Posts
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.
veganbikes is offline  
Old 07-19-22, 09:28 PM
  #13  
Camilo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,760
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 1,197 Times in 758 Posts
Originally Posted by Kapusta
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,
Just to balance one piece of totally subjective data with another, I have never noticed any difference whatsoever between lightweight quality aluminum bars and lightweight quality carbon fiber bars.

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.
Camilo is offline  
Likes For Camilo:
Old 07-19-22, 09:52 PM
  #14  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by Camilo
Just to balance one piece of totally subjective data with another, I have never noticed any difference whatsoever between lightweight quality aluminum bars and lightweight quality carbon fiber bars.
No need to "balance" anything. Just give your opinion and move on.

Yes, it is all subjective, and that is ultimately that matters in this case: How do the bars FEEL.
Kapusta is offline  
Likes For Kapusta:
Old 07-19-22, 10:52 PM
  #15  
Camilo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,760
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 1,197 Times in 758 Posts
Originally Posted by Kapusta
No need to "balance" anything. Just give your opinion and move on.

Yes, it is all subjective, and that is ultimately that matters in this case: How do the bars FEEL.
Whew, I guess I'll move right on then!
Camilo is offline  
Likes For Camilo:
Old 07-19-22, 11:25 PM
  #16  
icemilkcoffee 
Senior Member
 
icemilkcoffee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,590
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1539 Post(s)
Liked 1,697 Times in 954 Posts
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.
icemilkcoffee is offline  
Old 07-20-22, 04:36 AM
  #17  
dsaul
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 2,258
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 712 Post(s)
Liked 793 Times in 471 Posts
Its a fat bike, lower the tire pressure for more comfort.
dsaul is offline  
Old 07-20-22, 04:58 AM
  #18  
Germany_chris
I’m a little Surly
 
Germany_chris's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Near the district
Posts: 2,427

Bikes: Two Cross Checks, a Karate Monkey, a Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 698 Post(s)
Liked 1,292 Times in 646 Posts
Originally Posted by icemilkcoffee
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.
I think you might be surprised by the number of aluminum forks out there.
Germany_chris is offline  
Likes For Germany_chris:
Old 07-20-22, 05:35 AM
  #19  
t2p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 2,980

Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,803 Times in 1,038 Posts
Originally Posted by dphillips
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?
a top quality carbon riser bar will weigh significantly less than the OEM alloy riser bar

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.
t2p is offline  
Old 07-20-22, 07:21 AM
  #20  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by Camilo
Whew, I guess I'll move right on then!
My apologies for the terseness of my response.
Kapusta is offline  
Likes For Kapusta:
Old 07-20-22, 07:35 AM
  #21  
Bald Paul
Senior Member
 
Bald Paul's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 1,680
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 806 Post(s)
Liked 1,612 Times in 764 Posts
Originally Posted by Barry2
That bike weighs in at over 28 lbs
Originally Posted by dphillips
are super expensive Carbon bars worth the extra cost over the $50.00 ones?
​​​​​​​In a case like this, I would have to say no.
Bald Paul is offline  
Old 07-20-22, 07:37 AM
  #22  
burnthesheep
Newbie racer
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3,406

Bikes: Propel, red is faster

Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1575 Post(s)
Liked 1,568 Times in 973 Posts
Originally Posted by terrymorse
the tiny amount of bending they do is elastic bending. Elastic structures cannot absorb vibrations.
Anyone who has owned an older alloy frameset/bar combo and gone to a really modern carbon frameset/bar combo that rides gravel or rough roads knows this is crap.

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.
burnthesheep is offline  
Likes For burnthesheep:
Old 07-20-22, 07:41 AM
  #23  
Kapusta
Advanced Slacker
 
Kapusta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187

Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt

Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times in 1,422 Posts
Originally Posted by Kapusta
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.
Oops, I just realized the OP has a Fat Bike.

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.
Kapusta is offline  
Likes For Kapusta:
Old 07-20-22, 08:06 AM
  #24  
t2p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 2,980

Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,803 Times in 1,038 Posts
Originally Posted by Camilo

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?
100 gram reduction would be significant - approx 33% reduction

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
t2p is offline  
Old 07-20-22, 08:11 AM
  #25  
t2p
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 2,980

Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1359 Post(s)
Liked 1,803 Times in 1,038 Posts
Originally Posted by veganbikes
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.
700 gram steel handlebar ?

on a bike with an OCLV carbon fiber frame ?
t2p is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.