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Bar/stem weight - how NB is it?


DanielJhb

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Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 4:28 PM, tom893 said:

 

Thank you. Makes sense. I've already got issues keeping front end down on climbs due to very short stem, I guess a lighter bar could make it worse

 

Weight on the bar/stem is very important - not only does it hold the front wheel down when you're climbing (with obvious benefits) but the extra weight PULLS the bike on downhills, creating a more stable feeling ride (as opposed to a heavy saddle which PUSHES downhills and is inherently unstable)

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Posted

Less weight is not always a good thing for a bar or a stem. Some remarks:

1. Carbon stems are wasted money imo, they offer no advantage and weigh more or less the same as good aluminium stems. (nt even much bling effect)

2. I would think carefully before using a lesser known/ blank Chinese parts. It is hard not to crash if the stem snaps...

Posted

You going from one great setup to another great setup.

 

I have not ridden carbon bars yet, but they are meant to offer up a more direct feel and reduce trail vibrations. .....so all in a better bar. But like I say this is from what I have read and some people's comments, so no real personal expedience.

 

Renthal kit is pimp!

Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 5:37 PM, Hairy said:

You going from one great setup to another great setup.

 

I have not ridden carbon bars yet, but they are meant to offer up a more direct feel and reduce trail vibrations. .....so all in a better bar. But like I say this is from what I have read and some people's comments, so no real personal expedience.

 

Renthal kit is pimp!

Carbon bars are fantastic for reducing hand fatigue and numbness - great for longer rides - good on short rides too.

 

But carbon stems do not seem to have as much benefit - none that I can feel anyway.

 

Carbon seatposts also help on LONG gravel rides.

Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 4:12 PM, DanielJhb said:

Think some of you missing the point of the post, I realise 200grams off the bike isn't much, I'm asking if 200grams off of the steering components makes a significant difference to performance. I could easily save 1kg if I changed my tyres, that wasn't the point of the question...

Cannot see how it would make any noticeable performance difference....

Posted

Little things can make a difference. changed from a carbon railed road saddle to a chromo trail saddle. Ride is harsher, but it's much easier to get behind the saddle on steep downs, so ride is muuuuuuch faster.

 

Last upgrade needed on my bike is a proper wide carbon bar to absorb trail noise.

Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 2:29 PM, Falco said:

It's a waste of money.

 

Rather put 200ml less water in your bottle, that will cost you nothing, and have the same effect.

Or just shed some weight, or eat a smaller meal the night before you ride, or a morning dump could help shed that 200g

Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 8:43 PM, yusufakals said:

Or just shed some weight, or eat a smaller meal the night before you ride, or a morning dump could help shed that 200g

 

Read the post, I am not trying to save grams off my bike, I am asking whether reduced cockpit weight has any performance advantage (i.e. dampens trail chatter, easier to maneuver, etc) 

Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 5:26 PM, cpelser said:

What does the upgrade cost net of selling old components?

 

How much do you weigh?

 

Net cost would be about R1 500. I weigh around 67kgs

Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 5:50 PM, V12man said:

Carbon bars are fantastic for reducing hand fatigue and numbness - great for longer rides - good on short rides too.

 

I am a firm believer in fork setup and tyre pressure to get the right ride feel on my mtb. For me the bar shape is the most important factor (hand and wrist position), not so much the material.
Posted

the real question... what's you stem length, bar width and/or handle bar rise? and what are you changing it to?  it's all about handling, not so much weight when it gets to stems and bars

Posted

Hi. I might be wrong. But surely the responsiveness of bar inputs is relative to the amount of rotating mass that you're trying to manoeuvre? i.e less rotating mass easier to manoeuvre? So lighter bars and stem are moot, rather reduce the rotating mass up front?

Posted

I would not use carbon bar on the MTB unless it was a Greg Minnaar bar. I have seen a few of the carbon bars snap without warning.

 

It is a critical item on a bike, save weight with the frame and other stuff.

Posted
  On 11/11/2015 at 5:40 AM, Starvin' Marvin said:

Hi. I might be wrong. But surely the responsiveness of bar inputs is relative to the amount of rotating mass that you're trying to manoeuvre? i.e less rotating mass easier to manoeuvre? So lighter bars and stem are moot, rather reduce the rotating mass up front?

 

nope, the stem and bar weight doesn't make any noticeable difference in terms of maneuvering (spelling?)  That's all a function of stem length and bar width.

Posted
  On 11/10/2015 at 7:31 PM, EmptyB said:

Cannot see how it would make any noticeable performance difference....

 

 

  On 11/10/2015 at 4:12 PM, DanielJhb said:

Think some of you missing the point of the post, I realise 200grams off the bike isn't much, I'm asking if 200grams off of the steering components makes a significant difference to performance. I could easily save 1kg if I changed my tyres, that wasn't the point of the question...

 

 

Indeed many are missing the point.

 

Lighter bars tend to be stiffer. Stiffer barrs tend to transmit more vibration ....unless the bar is a carbon bar.

And then it's not necessarily lighter than the aluminium bar it is replacing unless you pay lots of moola.

Thin walled aluminium bars that ae light and have enough flex to damp vibration are teh Easton EA70 and EA 90. not sure if they are still available. Answer Products pro taper AL is also an excellent bar.

 

As far as carbon bars goes, you're spoiled for choice. Truvativ, Easton, Answer, ENVE, etc all make great carbon bars in a variety of spans and sweeps.

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