Wabeery

Hi all, after applying a lovely coating of wax to my frame I considered that I wasn’t protecting a vital component - the handlebars. I have a (gorgeous) set of vision metron handlebars and I want to make them last longer than myself. I’m aware of basic maintenance such as wiping off corrosives such as sweat and regular cleaning after rides but what about polishes and waxes? I use a graphene ceramic wax but also have a generic carnauba wax that I use for my car - are these products beneficial or harmful in any way to the carbon fibre? Or would I benefit from a specialist product?

HillRider

Waxing a painted carbon frame may help protect the paint but will do nothing for the underlying carbon. I certainly wouldn't wax handlebars. The last thing you want is to have them slippery and road bars are almost completely covered with bar tape anyway.

Dan Burkhart 

Above all, replace the bar tape once in a while. I've seen some nasty stuff under tape that was left on too long.

SoSmellyAir

Protecting the handlebar from what? Decals from fading?

Then uninstall and clean the handlebar before putting it in a glass case. But seriously, please just use and enjoy your handlebar, which is pretty sturdy.

Sweat is not corrosive to carbon fiber, but may corrode a metal stem, especially at a junction with another carbon fiber component.

Assuming your handlebar has a clear coat these products should be fine, unless they make the handlebar slippery and you crash, which may damage your handlebar.