Its a FSA K-Force Carbon Drop Bar, I saw online they’re like $300 new. Its looks in good condition and i’m probably going to put tape on it anyway. Just wondering if its actually worth 40 CAD roughly 30 USD
BUT, I’m not super into used carbon handlebars. Not knowing the components history, if it was crashed, if the previous owner was using a torque wrench, how the bike was transported… whatever, is problematic.
Handlebars are a safety critical component. If it fails, something bad is going to happen to you. What would happen if you were on the shoulder of a busy road and all of the sudden the left side of your handlebar fails? Whelp, you’d be swerving into traffic, that’s what.
There are so many awesome alloy handlebars on the market at great prices. If you want to go with carbon, I’d suggest just biting the bullet and buying new. If you can’t afford that, the FSA Omega Compact is an amazing bar that can usually be found for under $50.
If you know the history of a bar, sure, go for it. Maybe you are friendly with a shop or have a buddy who is parting a bike out. In that case, I’d not be concerned. But buying a mystery bar is kind of sketchy in my opinion. The 50-100 grams you’ll save are not worth the risk.
S4ntos19 on
Absolutely not. Buy a $80 aluminum bar and call it a day. Your face is worth more than $30.
rivalpinkbunny on
I’m personally a “no” on carbon components in general – new or used, but if i were going to buy one, this would be a prime candidate. Carbon has a really long fatigue life, so if it is undamaged then it’s likely still incredibly strong (maybe even stronger than used aluminum or steel) – this is made by a reputable company, so it’s already a more interesting buy for me – check to see if there are any recalls on this model on the FSA website, or email and ask them. If you go to check it out take a close look for chips and fractures anywhere in the clear coat, but specifically in the fiber weave itself. You can tap the carbon with a penny, to see if it thuds anywhere (though you will probably have to buy it, to do that). The only thing I can see that’s of any concern from these pictures is the foggy texture of the clear around the clamp area. If that’s on the surface then it’s probably just an abrasion from carbon paste or something and is likely fine, but if the fogginess penetrates the clear into the weave, then you’re looking at CF delamination, which suggests failure and I would walk away. You’re probably starting to get a good idea of why I avoid CF parts, but for $30 … I don’t know man… seems like a good deal.
3 Comments
Yeah its probably worth that much.
BUT, I’m not super into used carbon handlebars. Not knowing the components history, if it was crashed, if the previous owner was using a torque wrench, how the bike was transported… whatever, is problematic.
Handlebars are a safety critical component. If it fails, something bad is going to happen to you. What would happen if you were on the shoulder of a busy road and all of the sudden the left side of your handlebar fails? Whelp, you’d be swerving into traffic, that’s what.
There are so many awesome alloy handlebars on the market at great prices. If you want to go with carbon, I’d suggest just biting the bullet and buying new. If you can’t afford that, the FSA Omega Compact is an amazing bar that can usually be found for under $50.
If you know the history of a bar, sure, go for it. Maybe you are friendly with a shop or have a buddy who is parting a bike out. In that case, I’d not be concerned. But buying a mystery bar is kind of sketchy in my opinion. The 50-100 grams you’ll save are not worth the risk.
Absolutely not. Buy a $80 aluminum bar and call it a day. Your face is worth more than $30.
I’m personally a “no” on carbon components in general – new or used, but if i were going to buy one, this would be a prime candidate. Carbon has a really long fatigue life, so if it is undamaged then it’s likely still incredibly strong (maybe even stronger than used aluminum or steel) – this is made by a reputable company, so it’s already a more interesting buy for me – check to see if there are any recalls on this model on the FSA website, or email and ask them. If you go to check it out take a close look for chips and fractures anywhere in the clear coat, but specifically in the fiber weave itself. You can tap the carbon with a penny, to see if it thuds anywhere (though you will probably have to buy it, to do that). The only thing I can see that’s of any concern from these pictures is the foggy texture of the clear around the clamp area. If that’s on the surface then it’s probably just an abrasion from carbon paste or something and is likely fine, but if the fogginess penetrates the clear into the weave, then you’re looking at CF delamination, which suggests failure and I would walk away. You’re probably starting to get a good idea of why I avoid CF parts, but for $30 … I don’t know man… seems like a good deal.