Stiff handlebar

[Jeff McD]

Replaced stock aluminum levo handlebar with 31.8mm? Renthal carbon but way too stiff and transmits too much trail chatter to my hands. Want to go back to the older carbon handlebars with 25.4 mm clamp that dampened trail chatter very nicely on my last bike. Anyone using this and can make recommendations? If that doesn't work by itself will add those grips that Al recommended. Thanks

 

[drjarvis2003]

Before you go down that route, are you sure your forks and tyre pressure are well set up. Even a few to many psi on either, can make a difference?

 

[outerlimits]

I’m using Spank vibrocore bars with ODI Rouge grips. Very happy with the set up, and far better than the stock bars and grips.

 

[drjarvis2003]

I’m using Spank vibrocore bars with ODI Rouge grips. Very happy with the set up, and far better than the stock bars and grips.

Have thought about those myself.

 

[outerlimits]

Have thought about those myself.

I kept them as close to the original Spesh bars which are 780mm, 27mm rise, 6deg up, 8deg back.
Vibrocores cut from 800mm down to 780, 30mm rise, 4 up and 8 back.
They feel way different for sure, better and dampened, and I was using ODI Rouges on both sets of bars.
I cut this much (see pic) off my Spesh bars and they weighed the same as the new vibes, so the vibes are lighter too.

 

[Gary]

I think you might struggle to find many new 25.4 carbon bars around in shops these days. Even good quality 25.4 clamp stems are becoming thin on the ground now.
Bar stiffness isn't just dictated by bar clamp diameter (especially where carbon is concerned).
Sorry. I prefer Aluminium as my material of choice for bars and also prefer stiffer bars so can't really recommend anything for you.
All I can say is that lighterweight XC/AM bars should be lighter and less stiff than DH/FR bars (from the same brand) whether carbon or Alu.
and would reitterate what DrJarvis said about tyre pressures and suspension set-up