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DH/FR Worthy 31.8 Carbon Bars???

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
I am bar shopping and wondering if there is any exciting hype for '05 or maybe a good product from last year out there. Is Easton making 31.8 super-duper nano-bars? If not Easton what other bars have a good feel? I guess they don't have to be carbon, good aluminum bars are okay too. So yeah what's the deal with 31.8, who's got the goods? :cool:
 

Curb Hucker

I am an idiot
Feb 4, 2004
3,661
0
Sleeping in my Kenworth
Punkass

Get some SIC bars and a stem while you're at it :thumb: Ive got some LLs on the DH rig. The geometry is pretty different compared to most bars. I was on 8* backsweep bars last season, but the LLs give the bike a much more stable feeling, not to mention more comfortable. The 31.8 sic bars and LL stem im running is the same weight as my Thomson/LP combo of last year, yet several times stiffer. Click the link in my signature for more info
 

The Kadvang

I rule
Apr 13, 2004
3,499
0
six five oh
Curb Hucker said:
Punkass

Get some SIC bars and a stem while you're at it :thumb: Ive got some LLs on the DH rig. The geometry is pretty different compared to most bars. I was on 8* backsweep bars last season, but the LLs give the bike a much more stable feeling, not to mention more comfortable. The 31.8 sic bars and LL stem im running is the same weight as my Thomson/LP combo of last year, yet several times stiffer. Click the link in my signature for more info
They that good? I might be looking for new bars... different how so?
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
Don,

I don't doubt that those bars could be sweet ass but I'd have to at least fell them in my hands before pulling the trigger with something that different than what I'm used to.

Heath,

Do you know if the CNT's are available yet and if not when? The website says 31.8 in the EC70 XC only what about the DH?
 

biker3

Turbo Monkey
punkassean said:
Don,

I don't doubt that those bars could be sweet ass but I'd have to at least fell them in my hands before pulling the trigger with something that different than what I'm used to.

Heath,

Do you know if the CNT's are available yet and if not when? The website says 31.8 in the EC70 XC only what about the DH?
They are in Veltec 05 AKA eastons pretty much most exclusive dealer. Also check out the specialized 31.8 carbon bars. None are Specifically "DH" per say but ive seen them on the 2005 stumpjumper and they look clean. I think FSA is offering a 31.8 carbon bar as well but id just check their regular bars. My choice would be easton just cuz their stuff is rediculously nice and light this year. In my opinion the quality of Easton is unmatched. :p
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
I have used Easton bars almost exclusively for the past 4 or so years so that is my first choice too. I think the new XC will be enough for what I need but I kinda want the DH just to be safe, it's only like a 75gm difference.

I figure if specialized thought their carbon bars were strong enough for the Enduro they'd have put them on the bike to begin with...
 

E.C.

Monkey
Mar 14, 2004
271
0
South Central Pa.
Try the SIC's .I took the chance and love them .they are on all of my bikes now. If you've ever riden motocross you'll love em. the have a bend more like a moto than a bicycle bar.
 

in the trees

Turbo Monkey
May 19, 2003
1,210
1
NH
Another vote for the SIC LL bars. I picked up a pair from Marty at Mount Snow this year and I love them. Good feel.

toby
 

Incubus

Monkey
Oct 17, 2001
562
0
Boston, MA
Here is another option (photo courtesy of Syncros):



• Intended use: Downhill Racing
• Materials: Carbon fiber composite
• Sweep: 9 x 4 degree
• Oversize (31.8) clamps only
• 710mm width
• Rises: low (20mm) and Mid (40mm)
 

AlberTop

Monkey
Nov 30, 2004
218
0
South
I used a Easton EC-70 (Carbon) MonkeyLite DH Bar last year and love then. They are to big, so I cut 1cm form each side. They are not 31.8.
 
Hey Sean, I know they're not carbon, but I just picked up a set of Easton EA70's in the 31.8/685mm wide flavor. I wanted something wider than the Richey what-cha-ma-call-ems I had been using. (they were only 665mm or so?) I rode Scotts Demo-9 with some 710mm bars and they felt just way too wide for my tastes. Haven't had a chance to ride with them yet though as 1) it's been nothing but fricken rain over the last two weeks and 2) I'm still nursing that broken hand. :rolleyes:

If I had the cash, I'd be all over those Easton CNT's despite them being 710mm wide. (Guess that's what saws are for!) Let us know what you choose eh?
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
I broke my EC70 DH bar in 2 months and I NEVER brake parts. It was a piece of poo. I should have listened.

Get ProTapers or EA70s.............................
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
Woh Rich, check your post count! \m/ :D \m/

Kanter,

I had the EC70 XC's for a while now with ZERO issues. I really like the feel of them too, not just the bend but the extra vibration damping.
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
Curb Hucker said:
Sean you've got 4 people sayin SIC, do the right thing, buy some LLs

Oh ya, and if you get a sherman to tide you over you's gonna need to buy a 180mm rotor too.
good point about the rotor. aww poop, I guess I'll just have to wait...

Do you know the weight of the SIC's???
 

Pedalist

Monkey
Sep 20, 2003
126
0
Clayton, NC
When carbon breaks it is nasty. Carbon tends to flaw before you ever know you have a problem with it. As opposed to Aluminum which you can see is warped or has a visible fault. Carbon shatters and splinters as opposed to aluminum which bends or breaks off. For Downhill and Freeride applications as well as some trail riding I stear clear of carbon.
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
punkassean said:
Kanter,

I had the EC70 XC's for a while now with ZERO issues. I really like the feel of them too, not just the bend but the extra vibration damping.
I never break parts. I couldn't believe it when they broke. I tipped over and when the bike hit the ground the bar broke a few inches from where the stem clamped on. It scared me that they broke so easily. It was before Whistler so I am glad they broke here and not in Whistler. I will never run carbon. Never. I agree they do help with vibrations but I think the Pro Taper and EA70 are better bars and they are only a few grams heavier.
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
Pedalist said:
When carbon breaks it is nasty. Carbon tends to flaw before you ever know you have a problem with it. As opposed to Aluminum which you can see is warped or has a visible fault. Carbon shatters and splinters as opposed to aluminum which bends or breaks off. For Downhill and Freeride applications as well as some trail riding I stear clear of carbon.
Thank you, I am aware of all these facts but I am also aware the Easton does extensive testing on their bars and they wouldn't sell a DH branded bar if it wasn't up to it. FWIW I have seen alloy bars snap off clean many times as well...

Either way big to flat will snap bars, so I guess I'll just have to avoid big to flat's... Oh darn! ;)
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
Kanter, what stem were you running and was it over torqued? I know Carbon will break easily if too tight or if it has a deep scratch in it.
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
It didn't break at the stem. It broke about 1/2" from the grips and a few inches from the stem. I run an 888 with the integrated stem. I should have taken a pic.

Man I was like you. I though the EC70 Dh was tough and I read about all the testing and how the EC is 8X stronger than other bars. The Pro Taper is only 25g heavier, why risk it. Im not trying to convince you but...... be aware. Why would you even think of taking a chance? You could seriously get hurt from making a product decision. If I am going to get hurt, I want it to be because of lack of skill not lack of picking the right product. Good Luck.
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
I definitely agree with your general mentality, thanks for the heads up :)

Out of curiosity, did Easton honor warranty?
 

Zaskar Rider

Monkey
May 29, 2002
242
0
PNW
I worked at a shop this summer and almost bought a carbon bar for DH but after talking to the resident DH riders in the shop I was swayed away. One problem with carbon is once you put a scratch into the weave it's pretty much as good as dead. I heard too many stories of bar failures from the guys to risk buying one and only getting to use it a few times till it hits a rock or a tree and gets a scratch in it. I guess if I had unlimited funds I'd get a bunch and use them for a race bike.
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
My general mentality hu... You've been warned. Hows that for general mentality? ;)

Ya Easton warrentied it after about 2 months. They sent me (2) EA70 bars, no questions. I have heard of many EC70 DH carbon bars breaking. I have never heard of a Protaper completely breaking. Yes I have seen and heard of bent Pro Tapers but never a broke one.

My EC70 DH bar was perfect. Not a single scratch into fiber. It had 1 or 2 scratches in the clear coat but nothing that went through the clear. good luck

I still see no reason to run a carbon bar when there are bars out that are stronger and almost a light. The dampening difference is so minimal, that is not a reason. Why do you want to run a carbon bar so badly? Im just curious as to why.
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
Well the fact that yours broke w/zero warning does make me think thrice (I already thought twice :) ). Maybe Pro Tapers are the way to go...

Q: Why do you want to run a carbon bar so badly?
A: I don't, I just don't really think it's a serious danger based on my experience with them in the past and most peoples experiences. Yours is the scariest and only story of it's kind I've ever really heard first hand. But it's enough to make me want to save the extra $$$ anyway... :D
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
Do a search. There were many others with problems too. I asked the same questions as you awhile back.
 

punkassean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 3, 2002
4,561
0
SC, CA
I ordered some EA70's today, tons cheaper and only 30 grams heavier... :D

Kanter, I ended up getting a used 36t ring with the e.13 I bought so no go on the original plan...
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
Im glad you got the EA70. Now I dont have to stay up late worrying about you.;) I lost a few nights sleep already. :)

Dont worry about the 36T. Im going to order some Envy rings. I love them on my other bike. Best rings out there period.