I installed a Kestrel carbon bar on a new road bike a year or so ago. I like the overall feel of the setup but am concerned about it failing. I do check it for cracks and distortions and the like, but has anyone actually seen one fail under normal use?, ie with no crashes. Or even gotten into a replacement schedule based on miles/time?
Which model? The Kestrel EMS Pro is kevlar re-inforced and will accomodate clip on aero bars. Wouldn’t worry about it at all, but some of the ultra lite carbon bars I’d be leary off. Definately don’t use clip-ons with them.
It is the EMS pro. And since I have too many bikes, the aerobars stay on the tri bike.
I wouldn’t worry about the EMS Pro. With the kevlar reinforcement it’s bullet proof.
My wife’s road bike came with an Auricle carbon drop bar. It’s about the lightest carbon bar made. She quickly replaced it with the EMS Pro. I also have one on my TCR road bike and both of us have our road bikes fitted with shorty clip-ons. Never had any problems.