Handlebar Material: Aluminum vs. Carbon Fiber vs. Steel



Is it possible that carbon fiber's appeal is more about marketing than genuine performance benefits? While it’s interesting to consider its recyclability, how often do we see cyclists actually opting for that sustainable route? If durability is king for rough terrain, is the weight saving worth the risk of fragility? And let's face it: how many riders are pushing their gear to the limits where these material differences actually matter? If we’re using our bikes primarily for commuting or leisure, are we misplacing our priorities? What truly drives our material choices—performance or just the next shiny trend?