Hydraulic Press handlebar test

[Zimmerframe]

It's unfortunate they didn't also test a more expensive Carbon bar.

 

[Polar]

It's unfortunate they didn't also test a more expensive Carbon bar.

Looks like US aluminium is best maybe therfore Mr. T has raised the import tax 25% on aluminium.

 

[Jackware]

What a pointless video IMO, surely IF bars fail, they fail with a downward force being applied at the end by the rider, not what here is an approximation of a pulling force?

 

[RoJo]

This is cool. Thanks for sharing. Agree that a top spec UD Carbon bar would be interesting, rather than rubbish woven carbon.
What I don't understand is that most people like the general concept of a lighter bike, but carbon bars are the second best weight saving per £ that one can make without sacrificing much performance, yet they receive so much hate. The best weight saving is fewer gears.

 

[Zimmerframe]

What a pointless video IMO, surely IF bars fail, they fail with a downward force being applied at the end by the rider, not what here is an approximation of a pulling force?

True.

Ultimately the bar would resist a higher force in the other direction (in theory).

They're all tested the same though so it gives a basic material comparison.

At the same time, it would be interesting to stuck strain gauges on a bike to see where the forces are applied in real life during a ride.

Anyway, you like fat bikes, so we'd assume you run your bars upside down in some sort of cool cafe racer type style. We want pictures

 

[RoJo]

What a pointless video IMO, surely IF bars fail, they fail with a downward force being applied at the end by the rider, not what here is an approximation of a pulling force?

Pulling like your life depends on it to make a gap

 

[Zimmerframe]

This is cool. Thanks for sharing. Agree that a top spec UD Carbon bar would be interesting, rather than rubbish woven carbon.
What I don't understand is that most people like the general concept of a lighter bike, but carbon bars are the second best weight saving per £ that one can make without sacrificing much performance, yet they receive so much hate. The best weight saving is fewer gears.

I think most hate revolves around two aspects.

Firstly, some carbon bars can be overly stiff and become tiring/fatiguing to ride with.

Secondly, people don't like the way Carbon breaks. Though I suspect I real life, it's incredibly rare for one to actually snap. Weirdly I've never crashed when running a carbon bar, maybe a subconscious fear of shattered carbon impalement makes me ride more sensibly !

 

[RoJo]

I think most hate revolves around two aspects.

Firstly, some carbon bars can be overly stiff and become tiring/fatiguing to ride with.

Secondly, people don't like the way Carbon breaks. Though I suspect I real life, it's incredibly rare for one to actually snap. Weirdly I've never crashed when running a carbon bar, maybe a subconscious fear of shattered carbon impalement makes me ride more sensibly !

For sure I would feel different if one had snapped on me, but then a headtube breaking would be equally as bad and we don't stress about this. Is it an irrational fear? Hope I haven't jinxed my next ride
I tested for OneUp Carbon (compliant) Vs Rental Carbon (stiff) and if you're running a decent fork, which should be top priority if you're after ride performance, I can't actually tell the difference.

 

[Stihldog]

…some carbon bars can be overly stiff and become tiring/fatiguing

I’ve noticed that. The first thing I changed was the original alloy bar to a Bontrager carbon bar. A larger diameter stem was required. The carbide bar was stiff, likely because of the thick walls.…and I hated it.

I upgraded to the One Up carbon bar with a slightly flexible tapper. For me, this felt much better. I’m sure the new alloy bars are better quality or may have a larger diameter to help reduce weight. They can all break though.

My first experience with alloy or carbon tubes was in archery. The spine or flex was very critical for alloy vs carbon …not so much for MTBing. Carbon bars still need to be treated carefully though. Any creak or squeak during flexing or testing of your bar means it’s toast/busted/garbage…don’t risk it.

 

[RoJo]

I’ve noticed that. The first thing I changed was the original alloy bar to a Bontrager carbon bar. A larger diameter stem was required. The carbide bar was stiff, likely because of the thick walls.…and I hated it.

I upgraded to the One Up carbon bar with a slightly flexible tapper. For me, this felt much better. I’m sure the new alloy bars are better quality or may have a larger diameter to help reduce weight. They can all break though.

Can I ask what fork and travel you are running?

 

[Zimmerframe]

I know you're not asking me ... but on the bike I run with my oneup carbon bars (with the weird shape to make them more compliant in theory ...) I swap between a 170 Fox 38 with the ebike tune and a 180 Zeb Ultimate and find both perform equally well and with no bar issues - even on my little small bump compliance test section (which I could never get nice with 180 Lyrics and Ally bars as an example).

 

[RoJo]

Yep, I'm running 180mm Vorsprung coil Zeb. Probably wouldn't notice if my bars were made of granite

 

[Zimmerframe]

Yep, I'm running 180mm Vorsprung coil Zeb. Probably wouldn't notice if my bars were made of granite

NICE Setup !!!!!! (#Jealous).

 

[Stihldog]

Can I ask what fork and travel you are running?

160mm Lyric. 30% sag. Large Oury grips. 22-24 psi Assigia. One Up carbon bar.

This combination has almost eliminated the cramping in my hands. I believe that the micro vibration that I feel may be causing the cramping in my hands and fingers.

My glove size is XXL…and even those are tight. A larger diameter grip may be my final solution. I considered the Zeb Ultimate for the Rail but there is a weight penalty and the cost. I need to lessen my death grip more often.

 

[Jackware]

160mm Lyric. 30% sag. Large Oury grips. 22-24 psi Assigia. One Up carbon bar.

This combination has almost eliminated the cramping in my hands. I believe that the micro vibration that I feel may be causing the cramping in my hands and fingers.

My glove size is XXL…and even those are tight. A larger diameter grip may be my final solution. I considered the Zeb Ultimate for the Rail but there is a weight penalty and the cost. I need to lessen my death grip more often.

Try these, they fit over standard grips and might suit your XXXL paws;

 

[irie]

160mm Lyric. 30% sag. Large Oury grips. 22-24 psi Assigia. One Up carbon bar.

This combination has almost eliminated the cramping in my hands. I believe that the micro vibration that I feel may be causing the cramping in my hands and fingers.

My glove size is XXL…and even those are tight. A larger diameter grip may be my final solution. I considered the Zeb Ultimate for the Rail but there is a weight penalty and the cost. I need to lessen my death grip more often.

Have a Zeb Ultimate 160 Buttercups but changed to a Lyrik Ultimate 160 Buttercups which I guessed would be and found to be a lot more comfortable for most of my riding. My theory is that the Lyrik's slight flexibility when compared to the ultra stiff Zeb absorbs more small bump vibrations than the Zeb. Tempted to put a Vorsprung Smashpot in the Zeb or Lyrik but don't want to have the weight penalty. Have a Trutune thingy in the Lyrik with no tokens.

 

[Stihldog]

Have a Zeb Ultimate 160 Buttercups but changed to a Lyrik Ultimate 160 Buttercups which I guessed would be and found to be a lot more comfortable for most of my riding. My theory is that the Lyrik's slight flexibility when compared to the ultra stiff Zeb absorbs more small bump vibrations than the Zeb. Tempted to put a Vorsprung Smashpot in the Zeb or Lyrik but don't want to have the weight penalty. Have a Trutune thingy in the Lyrik with no tokens.

Hmmm, interesting .
I wonder if there is an upgrade kit available for the Lyric. I’m not sure if I need the buttercups because I’ve never bottomed out the forks before …the shock yes.

Try these, they fit over standard grips and might suit your XXXL paws;

View attachment 154512

I’ve seen a grip lately that is larger than the Oury. I might tear those Grip Puppies to pieces …but they look fatter though for my mitts.