Cockpit upgrade - coming from 26mm

[pureretro]

Experiencing creaks after a handful of years on my Cinelli Solida/Solido combination which is a 26mm setup. Wanting to find something newer like a 3T ARX and Ergonova combination (not much in weight savings unless I go with carbon handlebar, plus I need a steering shim since I'm running a 1" steerer).

I'm sure there's a bunch of forum members who have retired their creaking 26mm systems, but I wanted to see if you have specific comments on comfort/stiffness etc?

Oh, I prefer Italian to complete the look, ya know....so Deda/ITM/3T are on the shortlist.

[palincss]

So, I take it you wouldn't be interested in solutions to the creaking problem that didn't involve component replacements?

[CNY rider]

What's the connection between 26 mm bars and creaking?
I don't follow.
Whatever the reason for your creak, it won't be the handlebar diameter.

[EricEstlund]

Carbon paste, and possibly some new faceplate hardware if yours has been over tightened and stretched.

[pureretro]

No connection between 26mm and creaking, i'm sure this would happen to any diameter. I'm taking the opportunity to upgrade some 10+ yr old equipment (read: upgrade itch).

So for those who have moved on to larger diameter bars, any discernible difference?

[palincss]

You mean, other than the larger diameter? :)

[rice rocket]

Deda makes 35mm now, just skip the intermediate 31.8mm step.:eek:

[pureretro]

Yup, i was looking at those 35 bars. Ideally though, keeping weight the same. The bends of the Ergonova vs RHM is something I'll try at LBS.

[CNY rider]

Honestly, I haven't found anything I like better than Deda 215's.
But I'm also the guy on the 7 year old IMac so take that FWIW.

[pureretro]

And my Cinelli Solida is apparently sub-200g, so the weight is hard to beat. It's not problematic beyond the creaks, but i can't help but think a refresh of a potentially life saving part may be in order after 11 years.

[christian]

I go between 3TTT Rotundos (31.8) and Nitto 176 (26.0) and am happy with both. Nittos have a bit more reach, but it's all good.

[deechee]

Honestly, I don't think there's a difference. Went from Deda 250's to the Ritchey Carbon Evolution. Love the feel of the Ritcheys on the tops while climbing, but I wouldn't be surprised if its just in my head. The rest of the positions feel the same.

[pureretro]

The unfortunate reality is that I can't really test a modern handlebar with shallower drops without getting the stem as well, due to the 26 limitation. I'll probably just pick up a used set and try it out.

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

Honestly, I haven't found anything I like better than Deda 215's.
But I'm also the guy on the 7 year old IMac so take that FWIW.

+1. I have either the 215s (in 26mm dia., never creak), Speciales, or Newton Shallows on almost every bike (except Nitto Dreams (26) on my CX, and some clydesdale worthy Easton EA50 ergos on my beater), the Dedas have the best drops in the business (IMO), and look classic, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

But, I'm also the guy with three steel bikes (2 lugged) and run silver alloy Campy 10S (gasp) on almost everything.

[mhespenheide]

The unfortunate reality is that I can't really test a modern handlebar with shallower drops without getting the stem as well, due to the 26 limitation. I'll probably just pick up a used set and try it out.

You might want to look at these; available in 26.0:

http://store.somafab.com/hwyonebar.html