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    Help! Think I just over torqued and cracked my carbon bars

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    22 Comments

    2. Pure_Common7348 on

      If you think there is a crack, there is a crack.

      Sometimes if you aren’t torquing evenly top and bottom you can pinch part of the bar. Sorry.

    4. JustHereForTheTips on

      Sorry this isn’t related to your question but… how do you like that bell? Reviews seem all over the place with older reviews saying it’s too quiet and the spring doesn’t last.

    5. Thenlockmeup on

      When you tighten you have to go evenly in a cross pattern. Also – what are those pebbles? Sand?

    7. Euphoric_Courage_364 on

      Having just went through this exact situation and asking the same question. If you’re asking the question you already know what the prudent course of action is! You’re just asking because the answer means spending money you didn’t plan to, and I empathize greatly.

    8. Wineandbikes on

      I had a customer bring their bike in for a pre-Marmotte check over. They had crushed their handlebars (also 3T 🤔) somewhat worse than this.

      They didn’t want to buy new bars & I had to email stating that the bike was not safe to use & could fail catastrophically without warning which would result in injury, possibly death not only for the rider but also anyone else who may be affected during such a failure. The email was to fulfil our duty of care to the customer & we could not be held responsible for any consequence of the failure of the bars.

      Imagine dropping off the Dolomites at 80-100Kmh on cracked carbon 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️?

    9. as588008 on

      This particular bar is shot. As you can see, there is a small crack on the right side of the clamping area. That being said, I have had carbon bars from FSA compress/dimple in the same way after installing properly with no more than the max torque value of the bar. The indentation is not necessarily of concern, but the crack certainly is.

    10. That_Fix_2382 on

      So many stems say 5 N-m that I’d probably just use that instead of 6. And, use a ‘small’ torque wrench for lower torques, if you didn’t already. I assume wrenches that measure high torques gotta be less sensitive between 4, 5, or 6 N-m.

    11. Ill_Initiative8574 on

      I did that. Rode with the bars like that for several years and only found out when I replaced the bars with something else. I don’t say this to suggest that you should ride those—you absolutely shouldn’t—but to say it can happen. I didn’t know shit back in the day. Couldn’t have told you what a torque wrench was.

    12. DeepusThroatus420 on

      The tube in its strongest configuration is compromised meaning the material has gone past the elastic capabilities and dimensional advantages. Done-zo

    13. oldbox on

      Yes you did, and so did I, the first time I did it whitout torque key. Mine was Chinese ome.

    15. Brilliant-Witness247 on

      tap it w something metal. If the sound changes over that area it’s def compromised

    16. Business_Zombie3887 on

      thanks for replies folks , some of them make me feel better , knowing it’s not just me !

      Has anyone used the Deda Elementi Superzero Gravel Alloy Handlebars?
      they look similar, think I might get those to replace them.
      need some for a ride on Wednesday , and LBS doesn’t have any 40cm gravel bars

      [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deda-Elementi-Superzero-Gravel-Handlebars/dp/B0CNDBCPHS/ref=asc_df_B0CNDBCPHS?mcid=615427098aa73933b3b89e877a46e49d&th=1&hvocijid=12984575077588476-B0CNDBCPHS-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12984575077588476&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007377&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&gad_source=1](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deda-Elementi-Superzero-Gravel-Handlebars/dp/B0CNDBCPHS/ref=asc_df_B0CNDBCPHS?mcid=615427098aa73933b3b89e877a46e49d&th=1&hvocijid=12984575077588476-B0CNDBCPHS-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12984575077588476&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007377&hvtargid=pla-2281435176618&gad_source=1)

    17. Antti5 on

      I had this happen with a 3T Ergonova Team bar with an Easton stem, using a calibrated torque wrench and never going above 5 Nm.

      I believe part of the problem to be that not all stems are equal. Some have larger contact area than others, and with my Easton stem the contact area was quite minimal. But in the end I don’t know for sure if the problem was the stem, the 3T bar, or both.

      I have since switched to Ritchey Chicane B2 stems in part for this reason. I’m sure there are also other good options.

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