I hear people talking about replacing their drop bars each year, anybody else do this? It makes sense to change them when I think about descending at 50+mph . .
I know some of us change bike enough it is not an issue, but if you were to keep a bike for 5 years, how many times/how often would you change the bars? Would it make a difference if the bars were carbon? Lightweight alum?
Just curious
Just this weekend I began replacing my bar tape, after it had been on there 18 months. During that time, it received about 50% of my riding. When the tape came off, I was astounded to see all this dusty, oxidized aluminum - everywhere. Just behind the hoods, there were two deep pits. Needless to say, new bars are on the way.
I THINK I have had these bars 4 years, and right now it looks like that was one year too long. Maybe a different cycle of taping would extend the life.
Just bumping this up because I’m interested in what others have to say as well. I’m nearing 4 years on my bike with the original stem and drop bars.
Ken
I think it depends on the bar. If I had a 300 gram drop bar of decent quality, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for 20 years. I would inspect if regularly for cracks, corrosion, etc. just to make sure.
With the newer, lighweight bars, it gets more difficult, and really depends on riding conditions and other factors. If* *was a larger guy, i would be tempted to replace a 200 gram aluminium bar at least every 2-3 years, whether it needed it or not, and would also inspect the bar more frequently, incl changing the bar tape every 3 months. Since there is less material, there may be less warning before the bar completely gives way.
As for carbon bars, I have no idea if a generalisation can be made. The Kestrel EMS (standard) bars appear to be damn near indestructible, any bar that flexes a bit, like Easton, I would probably check more frequently.
Mine have been on the bike for 9 years, without an issue. I’ve weighed between 170 and 198lbs during that time. TTT Prima, I think, but not one of those really light ones.
The bike also has the original Ultegra STI and derailleurs, AC seatpost, and DuraAce cranks. Probably between 3-5,000 miles/year on it.
Ken Lehner