[kootenaytallboy]

that a handlebar get replaced every year or two...

obviously, I get the concept - i.e. that bars are high stress components with major consequences from a failure for the rider (I like my teeth in my mouth, not scattered across the trail)

but I'm curious whether this is a remnant of bike components of old, or if this is still very relevant. I've never broken a bar, nor do I know anyone who has. Anyone have different experiences? Real data? What's your practice?

 

[FlipFantasia]

that a handlebar get replaced every year or two...

obviously, I get the concept - i.e. that bars are high stress components with major consequences from a failure for the rider (I like my teeth in my mouth, not scattered across the trail)

but I'm curious whether this is a remnant of bike components of old, or if this is still very relevant. I've never broken a bar, nor do I know anyone who has. Anyone have different experiences? Real data? What's your practice?

I've broke a bar on a big step down drop, walked away when it's very likely I shouldn't have....don't f*ck around with front end stuff. replace it.

 

[kootenaytallboy]

Did your bar have any scratches, or was this a total surprise? That's some scary business...

 

[FlipFantasia]

Did your bar have any scratches, or was this a total surprise? That's some scary business...

if you ride regularly, and relatively hard, 2 years is the most I'd trust....can you get more out of them, yes, but why take the risk? seriously, how much is your mobility worth? how much is a mangled face worth? your call.

 

[norbar]

Some bars are stronger now than the old ones but that's why we say 2 years not 2 months as with some of the crappy old stuff The thing is most modern wide bars are 7050 or 7075 alu (which is good for the most part) but it won't bend before it breaks it so it will be a bit unexpected. Bars are quite cheap. Dartmoor or Funn make good bars from good alu for really low amounts of cash. Cheaper than a dentist for sure.

 

[c101aviojet]

Not only the riding style, but the torque applied to tighten stem bolts probably influences the "expiration date" much more than any other factor (sp. with carbon bars).

 

[Bikerpunk241]

Decent set of handlebars.....$70 USD
Getting your face sewn back together......$14,000+ USD

Your call

 

[smithyM1]

Hmmm, been running my Funn bars since 2008, 2 almost full seasons of racing as well as 2 2weeks holidays in Morzine...time i changed then!

 

[DHJUNKIE]

how about the bolt on stems? i have a sunline direct mount stem thats 2years old along with the handlebars... whats your take internet people?

 

[daisycutter]

how about the bolt on stems? i have a sunline direct mount stem thats 2years old along with the handlebars... whats your take internet people?

replace the bolts

 

[4130biker]

How about some TITANIUM stem bolts, when do you replace THOSE

is this called the trolling?

 

[norbar]

How about some TITANIUM stem bolts, when do you replace THOSE

is this called the trolling?

You can allways put your ti stem bolts on some other part of your bike that's not risky. That's what I've been doing with my annual ti bolt change.

 

[ocelot]

Decent set of handlebars.....$70 USD
Getting your face sewn back together......$14,000+ USD

Your call

or $free.99 CAD

 

[Huck Banzai]

If you crash and beat your bars up, swap em. If not, the age is irrelevant, its not milk, it doesnt expire.

5 years on carbon, but I own torque wrenches, and I rarely exceed 4mph

 

[c101aviojet]

BTW, helmets have expiration date too.

 

[demo 9]

How about some TITANIUM stem bolts, when do you replace THOSE

is this called the trolling?

Every other CAT 3 podium

 

[4130biker]

every other cat 3 podium

ha ha!!!

 

[Bikerpunk241]

or $free.99 CAD

 

[JRogers]

There's no one answer that will work for everyone. How often do you ride the bike? How heavy are you? How hard on components? What kind of bike and riding?

I've kept some bars for way more seasons than 2 without an issue. I broke one Funn aluminum bar in a crash, but I think it actually happened after I was ejected from the bike (basically hit floater step down thing and clipped something in the air...bike and I landed at the bottom separately and bars were broken in half).

If you ride hard and often on that bike, maybe 1-2 seasons is a good estimate...same if it bothers you. But how many people snap aluminum bars JRA- ie without a big crash? I'd guess not many.

 

[b1k3_r1d3r]

the direct mount bolts I would change every year (or atleast check them and if they feel weird turning they may be bent). those things take way more of a beating than you're face plate bolts. I've seen the direct mount bolts shear or bend after a bike was in a crash (and from just a landing) and I can say i dont want that happening to me.