I’m installing aerobars onto a new carbon base bar. Do I clamp the aluminum bracket onto the carbon or should I put something between the bracket’s aluminum surface and the carbon? I’m afraid of damaging the carbon base bar when tightening the bracket or undertightening and the aerobars being loose. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Pick up some of Tacx Dynamic Assembly Compound
This unique assembly compound is composed in such a way that high-quality carbon/aluminum saddle parts, pedals, handlebars and stems can be assembled without difficulty. The adhesive effect allows you to reduce the torque by 30%. Dynamic paste stops parts distorting or loosening and ensures perfect corrosion protection.
This will help a lot with your installation.
I also make sure that I take some sand paper to all of the edges that are metal and debur and smooth the edges to ensure that nothing is going to cut into the bars.
You can scuff up the carbon a bit to help as well but the compound will do the job a lot better.
Also put a bit of lube on the bolts.
**MOST IMPORTANT ITEM *****USE A TORQUE WRENCH*******and follow the manufacturers specifications.