I am pondering a carbon bar and am torn between the two. I would be getting a classic shallow round drop in 31.8mm bulge. Anyone have any opinions on the merits of either one?
I know the easton doesn’t have cable groves. Using shimano I only have one cable to hide. The ritchey has them. The easton is cheaper. Easton says to use only a two bolt stem but I have a Newton o/s in 86deg rise that I want to use.
Anyone know which has the longer flat section on the drops? I get the feeling that one way manufacturers “lighten” their bars is by chopping a little of the ends of the drops, cutting a few precious grams. Annoying habit it is!
I think you can use aerobars on the Easton, not sure about ritchey. frankly i worry about bars so delicate that adding aerobars or the number of bolts clamping the bar are a concern. I like a certain robustness to my handlebars.
I have a set of the old EC90s (the red ones). They are NOT safe to put aerobars on. And while I like the shape of the bars, they are way too flexible. I’m replacing them. I really don’t see the benefit of carbon bars.
The Ritchey bars have been through the design phase for a couple years. Those bars are rock solid and a favorite of Levi Leiphiemer and Davide Rebellin. The Ritchey’s are shallower and have long drops, but they are 20 grams heavier. They also have “anti-crush” zones with titanium mesh reinforcing the gel coat in those areas.
Give Ritchey a call and chat with them, tell 'em Superdave sent you.
I’m pretty sure that one of the newer easton bars are OK for aerobars, Schmolke(sp) also makes a aerobar compatible model, also the lightest over all at about 140 grams.