Bought these ENVE SWP carbon fiber bars used. They’ve got significant surface scratching with some slightly deeper marks (probably from brake lever movement if I had to guess), but no obvious exposed fibers or fraying – at least to my eyes. I’ve been using them on my brakeless fixed gear setup, so I put a decent amount torque through them, but there won’t be anything clamped to them in the scarred positions.
Where am I on a scale of ‘probably fine’ to ‘catastrophic failure imminent’ ? Thanks so much!
by Truckzero
5 Comments
From the sidebar:
>”Is this cracked / safe to ride?” – If you have to ask, don’t ride it. We probably can’t tell from a picture just what condition your bike is in. Take it to your Local Bike Shop and ask them. If it’s carbon, a specialist repair shop may be required. They should have the equipment and expertise to inspect it properly.
Personally, I wouldn’t ride used, scratched, carbon bars.
Uuuuuuh there’s a really clear crack in that first photo. I wouldn’t ride that if it was steel, much less carbon.
https://preview.redd.it/rczx1pjd4fic1.png?width=651&format=png&auto=webp&s=39975ec9d7a95b68601fcf7dc429cdec3c6f18d4
I just helped a friend install brand new carbon bars and after reading all the rules I’m convinced they’re never safe to ride. You’re telling me they can’t handle the stress of lock-on grips, while also telling me they’re fine for DH and fr applications?
push down as hard as possible/comfortable like you’re flexing the bars. if they snap they’re no good and if they don’t you’ll be fine
Those should be in the ocean (/s), not on the used market.