Carbon road bars?

PukkaStukka

First post here from a newbie so please go easy!

Following an enforced layoff following injury and illness, I've resurrected my bike and am enjoying getting back into light spinning. One of my weaknesses concerns an elbow which was injured. I've been fitted to the bike and am otherwise comfortable on it except for the elbow. It is very sensitive to the road buzz coming up from the road through the bars. I've improved the padding on the bars and got thicker gloves which have helped me immensely. The elbow is correctly bent and not in a locked / fixed / extended position.

I'm now considering replacing the handlebars with FSA K-Force 3K Carbon Ergo bars as offered by Chain Reactions (I can't post a link to them as I'm a noob...)

I'm wondering if anyone has experience of these or indeed similar bars and give me their opinion based on their experience.

Thanks in advance!

gman2k

Don't believe the hype that carbon soaks up road buzz.
Get wider tyres, that'll help more, and be cheaper.

bcmf

^^^^^
Just to keep a sense of balance....Believe the hype. carbon bars soak up loads of road buzz :pac:

But the gman is right. One of the best ways to soak up buzz is a nice wide set of min 25c wide tyres not pumped up balloons.

rollingscone

I'm currently enjoying the effects of my CF seatpost (have had a stem for a long time) it does make a difference but probably much less of a difference than tyres will.

Lumen

Obviously they'll only make a difference if you ride in the drops. I have floppy Zipp ones. They're nice and comfy apart from the nasty Ergo shape. Shape is very important.

Briando

PukkaStukka wrote: »

..

Get some Fizik Bar Gel for under the bar tape and some thicker bar tape like Lizard Skin DSP 3.5.

There are also mitts that are padded too if you need more insulation from the viberations.

disco1

Hi.

alu bars make my hands go numb on long spins...good carbon bars elimanate this for me so for some people it defo works..the bars that were the best for me where easton ec 90 slx amazing confort.

pricey though.

ken

codie

I just fitted 3t carbon bars to my bike and they do make a difference alright ,but I wouldn't think its a huge difference and won't do away with the pain in your elbow.If I were you I'd take my time and work yourself back up slowly.Find a route that has a very good surface if possible and do it a number of times then up the mileage a little.

PukkaStukka

Thanks for the advice everyone. Will report back on progress

outfox

This might be completely stupid (I'm still trying to figure this stuff out myself).
Is is possible you are putting too much weight on your arms? Can you adjust your cycling position so that more weight is pushed to your rear? You might need to develop your core?

PukkaStukka

outfox wrote: »

This might be completely stupid (I'm still trying to figure this stuff out myself).
Is is possible you are putting too much weight on your arms? Can you adjust your cycling position so that more weight is pushed to your rear? You might need to develop your core?

I've done the bike fit and the setup is spot on. But I have a weakness in my elbow which is nothing to do with cycling and unfortunately any prolonged spin causes me some discomfort. It's the joys of past injuries and generally growing old!