Carbon handlebars vs carbon forks

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by vl1016
My quandary: I need to buy wider handlebars than the stock ones on my bike, a Bianchi Campione (2000 model). I have been considering getting some carbon handlebars (kestrel pro) to reduce shock to my hands and lighten up a bit. They are about $130. I'm on a budget, so I want to get the best bang for my buck. I have noticed several carbon forks for around 80 or 90 dollars, and have seen several good aluminum handlebars for around $40. So, I'm wondering what would make more overall difference: a new carbon handlebar vs a new aluminum handlebar and cheap carbon fork. Would a carbon fork also reduce hand fatigue? Any ideas?

why are you buying carbon bars on a budget, looking for the best bang for your buck? isnt that an oxymoron?

what kinda fork do you have now? the best thing about cf forks is they are liter, not really better riding, ive ridden so uber comfy steel ones

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by fushman
why are you buying carbon bars on a budget, looking for the best bang for your buck? isnt that an oxymoron?

what kinda fork do you have now? the best thing about cf forks is they are liter, not really better riding, ive ridden so uber comfy steel ones

I have a steel fork and a limited budget.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by vl1016
I have a steel fork and a limited budget.

buy some solid alum handlebars and spring for some really nice bar tape

A real carbon fork is $400 or more. A good carbon handlebar is $150 or more. Better buy a good handlebar instead of a [censored]-fork. ITM has very nice and not expensive carbon handlebars.

Have you considered cycling gloves? (They can go a long way in taking a little 'buzz' out of the bars).

Another option is lower the tire pressure a bit and/or go slightly wider with them as well...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by fushman
buy some solid alum handlebars and spring for some really nice bar tape

Yeah, and run a few less PSI in the tires. You will be comfort and money ahead. Throw in some decent padded gloves too.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by marlon1
A real carbon fork is $400 or more.

Pleeze....A Kestrel or Ouzo Comp can be had for About $125 if one shops around.

I don't think I'd buy a cheap carbon bar or fork. If either a handlebar or a fork breaks mid-ride, you're risking some really serious injuries. I'd want the reassurance that I was using quality stuff in such vital components.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mjw_byrne
I don't think I'd buy a cheap carbon bar or fork. If either a handlebar or a fork breaks mid-ride, you're risking some really serious injuries. I'd want the reassurance that I was using quality stuff in such vital components.

Do you really think inexpennive implies immenint disaster. The makers of this stuff are not out trolling for liability lawsuits.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by boudreaux
Do you really think inexpennive implies immenint disaster. The makers of this stuff are not out trolling for liability lawsuits.

Nope, I'm sure they're all at least reasonably reliable, but carbon fibre isn't exactly a perfected technology and I would expect more expensive kit from more experienced brands to be more reliable than cheaper kit. I never said cheap stuff implies "imminent disaster", but I don't think it's too far-fetched to imagine that the higher-end stuff might be better made.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mjw_byrne
... but carbon fibre isn't exactly a perfected technology.

D'oh?? And as for the rest of it, you are just speculating. Alot of it is made in the same factories with different names put on it.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mjw_byrne
Nope, I'm sure they're all at least reasonably reliable, but carbon fibre isn't exactly a perfected technology and I would expect more expensive kit from more experienced brands to be more reliable than cheaper kit. I never said cheap stuff implies "imminent disaster", but I don't think it's too far-fetched to imagine that the higher-end stuff might be better made.

Actually, alot of the more expensive is so because it's lighter,and could have issues because of that aspect. More expensive does not necessarily equate to more reliable or durable. That is just a generalization that does not get off the ground.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by boudreaux
More expensive does not necessarily equate to more reliable or durable. That is just a generalization that does not get off the ground.

Yeah I know more expensive does not necessarily equate to more reliable or more durable, and I never said that it does. But saying that more expensive often implies more durable/reliable is a valid generalisation, a generalisation being a statement which is true a significant proportion of the time, but perhaps not always. You know, your arguments often seem to consist of statements that a counterexample might exist, which although true, are rarely relevant and never helpful. Yes, SOMETIMES items of different prices/brand name are made in the same factory, and SOMETIMES a more expensive product might be less durable than a cheaper one, this is all true, but it doesn't change the fact that IN GENERAL, paying more for a higher-end product by a better name gets you more reliability. I mean, SOMETIMES cyclists get struck by lightning, but it's not a good reason never to get on a bike, is it? Sheesh.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mjw_byrne
I mean, SOMETIMES cyclists get struck by lightning, but it's not a good reason never to get on a bike, is it? Sheesh.

I hope it's not cloudy tomorrow. I really need a good ride.

Get a used Ouzo Pro -- or similar -- fork off of eBay. Aluminum bars for sure.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Aztec
Get a used Ouzo Pro -- or similar -- fork off of eBay. Aluminum bars for sure.

Ok, well while some were bickering, I took the plunge and bought some Easton EC90 handlebars..so far so good..very comfortable and actually quite stiff. My climbing has improved right off the bat (maybe because of width more than the bars themselves). Anyways, I bought the bars because I needed bars, while I don't need a fork. Perhaps foolish, but I needed an extravagance anyways for all my toil. Thanks for all who posted replies-I found them all interesting, including the bickering.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Aztec
Get a used Ouzo Pro -- or similar -- fork off of eBay. Aluminum bars for sure.

i wouldnt ride a used fork