Easton Stem: CRACKED!

[dsut4392]

Sorry to hear my friend, but you got me thinking. I'm riding on a set of (crash) bent Alum handlebars at the moment. I didn't think it was a big enough deformation to warrant a changeover. I'd be interested in your view on this?

I'd be inspecting them veeeeeeeeery closely, particularly around areas of tight bends, and most of all at the stem clamp (if the bar has been nicked or gouged or crimped, it acts as a stress-concentrator which could result in sudden failure). Any sign of cracking or discolouration of the metal around the (new) bend and in the bin with them!
I've got a set of ergo bend deda big piega (31.8, 42 cc) in great condition lying around that I was asking $10 for at the last swap meet. If you can't find something at a similar price locally I'd be surprised. Cheap insurance if you ask me [I know, you didn't].

 

[Master50]

Sorry to hear my friend, but you got me thinking. I'm riding on a set of (crash) bent Alum handlebars at the moment. I didn't think it was a big enough deformation to warrant a changeover. I'd be interested in your view on this?

A bent bar is a beautiful thing in that by its bending we can immediately asses the damage and Know the bar had exceeded its design tolerance. We know it is time to replace it. We may try to intellectualize some delay as in this post but it is really simple if you bend it replace it.

Now the major problem with Carbon Bars is trying to determine if your bars got a fatal hit because although carbon can survive pretty great energy levels it does not give you an easy cue that it is broke. It probably does give a sign but we are not as able to figure it out as aluminum bars. That is 1 great reason to race on aluminum bars. Since crashing is a high probability in racing and low probability just riding. Ok, but my friend literally broke his ti bike in 2 pieces mid jump and miraculously was unscathed. He is pretty fastidious in his care so we were all pretty surprised he did not get a sign.

 

[richwagmn]

A bent bar is a beautiful thing in that by its bending we can immediately asses the damage and Know the bar had exceeded its design tolerance. We know it is time to replace it. We may try to intellectualize some delay as in this post but it is really simple if you bend it replace it.

Now the major problem with Carbon Bars is trying to determine if your bars got a fatal hit because although carbon can survive pretty great energy levels it does not give you an easy cue that it is broke. It probably does give a sign but we are not as able to figure it out as aluminum bars. That is 1 great reason to race on aluminum bars. Since crashing is a high probability in racing and low probability just riding. Ok, but my friend literally broke his ti bike in 2 pieces mid jump and miraculously was unscathed. He is pretty fastidious in his care so we were all pretty surprised he did not get a sign.

I don't get carbon bars or stems. The best alu bars are almost as light as the carbon bars for far, far less money.I don't see the price/performance benefit. And don't even get me started on carbon combination handlebar/stems. How stupid is that?

 

[simo1733]

Composite structures need to be inspected internally to fully assess condition after a crash.Although simple tap test with a coin should reveal any delamination.
Whilst CF has far higher strength to weight than other materials, it is important to note that bikes are actually plastic reinforced with CF.

 

[Master50]

I don't get carbon bars or stems. The best alu bars are almost as light as the carbon bars for far, far less money.I don't see the price/performance benefit. And don't even get me started on carbon combination handlebar/stems. How stupid is that?

I get carbon bars. They last far longer than aluminum. I have a pair of Easton bars I bought before 2005. I would have replace aluminum bars at least once. The fatigue life of carbon bars is Probably 4 times greater than aluminum. This is really a guess but easton's early marketing showed fatigue tests were the carbon bars lasted 200000 cycles on a test rig where the best Aluminum bars died in 1/4 to 1/3 of the time. So even ecenomically carbon bars are cheaper than aluminum.

Better at attenuating road buzz too.

I still use aluminum Stem. Syntace and Rotor. lighter than most any stem. Carbon Stems need some improvement but they are starting to get pretty good

 

[durianrider]

Me big ego? No way!

Ive cracked a lot of stuff from all different brands just from using it. I dont do big jumps etc either. I just ride as Ive never had a drivers license.

#The scuffs on my stem were from my powertap CPU.

 

[veganrob]

I get carbon bars. They last far longer than aluminum. I have a pair of Easton bars I bought before 2005. I would have replace aluminum bars at least once. The fatigue life of carbon bars is Probably 4 times greater than aluminum. This is really a guess but easton's early marketing showed fatigue tests were the carbon bars lasted 200000 cycles on a test rig where the best Aluminum bars died in 1/4 to 1/3 of the time. So even ecenomically carbon bars are cheaper than aluminum.

Better at attenuating road buzz too.

I still use aluminum Stem. Syntace and Rotor. lighter than most any stem. Carbon Stems need some improvement but they are starting to get pretty good

There are not too many full carbon stems on the market, they tend to be somewhat heavier than alum and very bulky. However if you want to try one that you can really fell the difference, Look. I had one on my 595, it is great. Well worth it.