Carbon vs aluminum handlebars question

[westtexas]

So, I actually really like my carbon bars. They are Zipp bars, so the carbon is (or so they say) better quality... But I think they were worth every penny. Riding in west Texas was impossible without them. I noticed a huge difference right away in how long it took before my hands went numb and how much noise I could hear associated with the hoods/computer/headlight rattling on the front of the bike. I think the road is very much smoother with them.

Out here in the big city where they have never heard of chip seal, it's like riding on glass. So smooth.

So that's my vote for carbon.

(If it makes any difference to you, I ride Vredestein tires at 130 psi that are 23s)

[ehirsch83]

I hate to say this but you might want to ride with less air in tires- you will have a less harsh ride.

There is a chart out there that has how much you should actually use based on weight,etc. If you search the forums for tire pressure psi you will find it.

I know when I put air in my tired I only go up to 105/110 at max and will ride with them as low as 80(no need to put air in every day) .

I suggest trying to ride with a little less air and see how that feels.

[pll]

There is a chart out there that has how much you should actually use based on weight,etc. If you search the forums for tire pressure psi you will find it.

Voila!

http://www.biketinker.com/2010/bike-...-for-bicycles/

[Sylvia]

Here' a link to an online calculator for optimizing tire pressure.
http://www.dorkypantsr.us/bike-tire-...alculator.html

[Wahine]

I hate to say this but you might want to ride with less air in tires- you will have a less harsh ride.

There is a chart out there that has how much you should actually use based on weight,etc. If you search the forums for tire pressure psi you will find it.

I know when I put air in my tired I only go up to 105/110 at max and will ride with them as low as 80(no need to put air in every day) .

I suggest trying to ride with a little less air and see how that feels.

Plus 1.

Also, you can get gel inserts that help with vibration. They go on the top of the handlebars under the tape.

I also shy away from carbon bars due to breakage. BF broke 2 sets in one season. One was almost brand new. They fractured for no apparent reason when he hit an apple sized rock that rolled onto the road in front of him. The break wasn't anywhere near where you would expect the bar to take stress and the carbon was very thin in that area. This caused a crash that resulted in fractured ribs and shoulder blade.