Bars, Stems and Seat Post Materials

Although a seemingly small part in the overall bike, the materials used for the handlebars, stem, and seat post deserve careful consideration. Unless you are trying to build a tank, steel/ alloy is the least desired material for any component on a bike. With that said, I will continue with the most prevalent materials.

There are a few manufacturers that sell stems made out of magnesium. Although lighter then aluminum, magnesium is very delicate, and fractures easily. It is common to crack the stem just by tightening the screws to specifications. Also, if you scratch or chip the surface coating of a magnesium stem, it will corrode and end up looking very bad. For these reasons, we do not sell magnesium stems.

Aluminum for these components is very rigid, and tends to increase the fatigue factor for the rider on road or cyclocross bikes. It is very common to see carbon fiber or titanium on a great bike. Because of the high pressure used on road bikes tires (120-160 psi), the small irregularities in the asphalt are amplified while you ride. High frequency vibrations are transferred to your hands, often causing numbness on even short rides. For this reason, aluminum is not recommended for road or cyclocross riding. On mountain bikes with a full suspension, the fatigue factor using aluminum is not so bad, but would be minimized with carbon fiber or titanium.

Carbon fiber is great, and light…just remember, do not over tighten the screws, or scratch/ chip these components. If they do get damaged, the integrity of the component is compromised. Make sure there are no hairline cracks. If you find a crack, replace it.

Titanium is still the best for the seat post, or stem in all types of biking. Titanium handlebars are at this point limited to mountain biking. I am not aware of a manufacturer of titanium road bars. In most cases, titanium seat posts, stems, and handle bars weigh only a few grams more than carbon fiber, but are unmatched in durability.

In road riding or cyclocross, I recommend a combination of titanium seat post, and stem, with a carbon handlebar. This combination will provide you with a great ride, and very little high frequency vibration. That means happy hands, even on long rides. Another advantage to carbon road handlebars is that in the manufacturing process, they can shape and contour the bar to conceal the shifter, and brake cables. This makes for a very neat, and professional look.

In mountain biking, the same as above is great, but titanium handlebars are the best because of the durability factor.