Road bike upgrades - carbon bars/stem or alloy?

Question

I am looking for advice on new handlebars and a stem for my 2005 Giant TCR Composite 2 bike. I definitely want carbon bars and am looking at the Easton EC90 SLX bars. I'm a 5'4'' woman at 120 lbs so I'm not concerned about flex on these high end bars (unless you think I should be), but should I go for the alloy or carbon stem? I will want a short reach with a slight or flat rise (don't like the negative rise stems). Any suggestions? Money is not an object, I want something that is worth the money though.

You guys rock! Seriously. Such great suggestions and information. It's going to be tough to pick a best answer! I have heard amazing things about the Deda Newton and it's only 208 grams (assuming the company is being honest). Deda Newton is actually what the T-Mobile team used on their Giant bikes in 05 & 06. I've also heard great things about Thomson stems and they're way cheaper than Easton. I've also heard a rumor that you can't use a 4 bolt stem on an EC90. Is that true?

Answer 1

Carbon is fine. I think there are lots of stems that are very nice. The Easton EC70 comes with a +/- 6 degree rise as does the Ritchey WCS. AX lightness has super light stems here's one place you can get them:
http://fairwheelbikes.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=20_50

As far as the bars... I actually don't care for the SLX bars. They have a wierd bend on the top that I don't think is comfortable. I have a EC90 SLX fork and I swear by the Easton carbon quality though. I love the EC90 Equipe OS bars they are the best standard shaped carbon bars IMHO.

One bar I would love to try out is the FSA K-wing carbon. If you haven't see one on a bike, you're missing something. I never used them but they are the most awesome looking bars I ever saw.

Have fun shopping

Answer 2

I think you should be safe going with the carbon stem and bars. if you want a really comfortable set of bars, look at the FSA K Force Bars and Stem. The bar's have a nice wing shaped top and the stem is significantly lighter then most stems. The specs on the stem are as follows:
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Hollow monocoque carbon fiber
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Alloy threaded inserts
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4-bolt carbon fiber faceplate
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6/4 Titanium hardware
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Finish: Gloss carbon 3K weave
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For 31.8mm handlebars
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For 1-1/8" steerer tube
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40mm stack height
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Sizes: -6º x 100, 110, 120, 130mm
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Weight: 200g


While easton makes nice products, I've noticed that they weigh more then most other manufactures products. The K-Force stem does have a negative drop but then bars have a section in them that makes up fr the negative rise. This way it's the same as using a 0º stem. I use a pair of K force bars on my 'Cross bike with a Bontrager stem. They're really comfortable and my bike has lost a lot of weight.

Answer 3

Unless you really like the look of carbon, get an aluminum stem. It will be lighter. As for the bars, finding something with the right combination of reach, drop, and width is a lot more important than what anyone thinks about flex or vibration damping. The SLX is definitely on the large end of the size spectrum, which could cause you some problems if you have small hands. Something like the Eason Equipe Pro might be a better fit.

Answer 4

I have to be honest, I don't think carbon bars are a worth the hype. You already have a carbon frame and fork to dampen a lot of road shock. I personally think that carbon bars are heavier than aluminum models in general and do not offer the dampening you think. There is also a practicality issue here. If you crash the bike - which does happen - it is very difficult to assess damage on carbon bars. Most mechanics suggest replacing them after any impact. This is the main reason pro teams don't use a lot of carbon bars. Team mechanics realize that they get banged around during races and in transport and don't want to swtich out bars constantly.

My favorite current setup is the Deda Newton alloy bar and stem combo. It is light, stiff, and just looks great. You can also order the bars in different depths to allow for shorter reaches. This is a big plus for many riders.

Answer 5

I had similar Easton bars but not oversize. If you can still get them I'd recommend the 25.4mm bars paired with an EM90 stem. The EM90 is magnesium which is very light and good at absorbing vibration. As others have pointed out, this bar has an unusual shape. I loved mine (they were sold with my old bike) but the bend resulted in a bit longer reach than a standard shape.
I now have the newer Easton carbon bars with the thicker center section that can mount an aerobar and another bike has the FSA carbon bar with the wing shape. Both of these would probably be more comfortable for someone with larger hands. It sounds like they might be unsuitable for your size. The FSA bar is also somewhat problematic when it comes to computer mounting. My wife has the EC90 Equipe bar and is very happy with it. Easton seems to have a product for every taste.

Answer 6

A mate of mine has the K-Wing bars and they do look and feel good, it's a shame to put bar tape on them.

I have a little voice in my head that tells me not to get carbon bars, so I haven't (probably because I can't justify the cost/weight saving on my alloy bars).

Just one more thing (as Columbo might say!) If you use carbon bars with an alloy stem, make sure there are no sharp edges on the stem. Take a small file to it, if need be! The stem should clamp the bars not bite into the carbon, Ok?

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Answer 7

The argument for Carbon bars is usually comfort ( as well as the bling factor). Carbon bars can dampen road vibration. That argument doesn't work as well with the stem, but that's where the bling factor comes in. Carbon stems almost always weigh more than their alloy counterparts. So they really don't provide much advantage except bling. All of the Easton EC 90 series products are great and you can't go wrong there.

Answer 8

Easton Carbon Bars

Answer 9

The 1000 was a low end entry level bike. You'd be better of putting on new derailleurs.A new carbon fork would cost you $75-$100+.It's not worth it for a 9 year old Trek 1000.I'd check to see of you can get a deal on a pair of Shimano 105's.

Answer 10

Go for the easton carbon stem. Aesthetically it will match your carbon bar thus improving the personality of your bike.

You should have the measurements of your bike fit (female specific) so you can put the right stem measurement and choose the design/composition later.