[dfinn]

this seems like a dumb question even to myself but I just want to make sure before I ruin a perfectly good pair of monkey bars. they are just a tad too wide for my liking.

 

[binary visions]

If they're aluminum, yep.

If they're carbon, yep. But use a super fine tooth blade.

Remember... measure twice, cut once. I cut my Titecs three times before I was happy, just because I didn't want to cut too much off.

 

[Westy]

It is also a good idea when cutting carbon to wrap the area being cut with tape to prevent the fibers from basically fraying.

 

[dfinn]

not carbon, i'm not sure I would ever buy carbon bars.

 

[Westy]

Eastons directions for cutting carbon bars

www.eastonbike.com/downloadable_files/ r&d_files/R&D-05-Carbon.pdf

 

[sanjuro]

not carbon, i'm not sure I would ever buy carbon bars.

I am about your weight, and I run Easton Monkeylites. I used to run CT2 as well, and after the last owner had cracked the ends with barends, I ran it for 7 years.

 

[richcreek]

just file down the ends after cutting to remove burs that will prevent you from you getting grips on easly.

 

[el_gordo]

I found a pipe cutter gets you a more even cut -- and if you get a decent one, it will also work on seatposts. You don't need one of the massive ones -- they sell smaller versions at Lowes/Home Depot.

 

[binary visions]

Pipe cutters might work fine in many instances, but they're still not the most optimal way of cutting since they can deform the item being cut and tend to flare the edges more than a hacksaw.

If it works for you, great, but it's something that needs to be done carefully.

 

[Raacerx]

I found a pipe cutter gets you a more even cut -- and if you get a decent one, it will also work on seatposts. You don't need one of the massive ones -- they sell smaller versions at Lowes/Home Depot.

every bike shop has one of the clamps that goes around the bar or post and allows for an easy straight even hack saw cut while holding it securely. Hack saws definitely deform less an personally, on a handlebar, Ill take all the precautions I can.

Hoewver, i agree with Sanj. If I wasnt so scared of gouging carbon bars I would definitely run one, their strength is incredible. The issue is, failure is generally catastrophic and a good gouge/scratch that affects the clear coat of the carbon greatly affects the integrity of the carbon make up since it heavily relies on that outside layer. Scratches are stress risers on aluminum bars, but they are 10 fold on carbon.

And yes, Ive seen Easton carbon bars splinter and snap. And everytime, Easton has replaced them no questions asked. One more thing too, carbon bars ride great. You can feel a difference.

 

[el_gordo]

I have not noticed any deformation -- not to say it doesn't happen, but I am being careful and useing a smaller cutter, i.e. less force and I go slow. I've seen the cutting jigs (no idea what they're really called) -- I had enough crappy cuts with hacksaws that I would have to have one to try a hacksaw again. And I should add this was only on aluminum bars -- not sure I would be brave enough to use, much less cut, a carbon fiber bar.

 

[spincrazy]

It's all been said, but cut away with the hacksaw, even on the carbon -but like binary said.

 

[Skookum]

Pipe cutters might work fine in many instances, but they're still not the most optimal way of cutting since they can deform the item being cut and tend to flare the edges more than a hacksaw.

If it works for you, great, but it's something that needs to be done carefully.

It's never the tool it's the tool using the tool.

 

[Chunky Munkey]

Look, I'm no tree hugger but I just want to do my part to let everyone know that everyone should really care what we are doing to mother earth.

Because there are so many people out there that destroy the earth I just really wanted to point out the best environmentally friendly way to dispose of your hacksaw blades when you are done using them. This will help the earth plus keep your local garbage man from getting his hand cut when he goes to throw out your garbage.

When you are done using your hacksaw blade, take it to your local maximum security prison drop off location. I suggest the best time to go is like late at night when there are no long lines. Pull up along the roadside by the big wall between the two employee towers at both ends so they wont see you and charge you for not being a local resident, and with a good heeve, throw it over the wall into the dump yard on the otherside.

If we all do a little, it will really make a lot of difference.

Thank you reading this announcment.

 

[binary visions]

 

[pvfjr]