I think I'll stick to alloy handlebars

[fiamme red]

https://twitter.com/cyclingtips/stat...93021375700994

"Mathieu van der Poel's handlebars broke at the end of the semi-classic Le Samyn. It appears the bar broke at the lever clamp, likely because the lever clamp was overtightened."

[Edited to add:] After posting, I saw this article: https://cyclingtips.com/2021/03/yep-...hat-you-think/.

Broken handlebars are nothing new, of course, particularly with carbon fiber handlebars when crashes are involved. However, there were no reports of Van der Poel crashing during the race, and there’s also a visible crimp in the carbon fiber where the lever was once attached. And unusually, if you look closely at the remnants of Van der Poel’s handlebar, you can see that the lever isn’t just flapping about; there appears to be nothing attached to it at all.

Although there currently isn’t any visual or video evidence of when the ultimate failure actually occurred, the crimp suggests that Van der Poel’s lever was overtightened to the bar, and at some point — likely when his hands were in the drops — that side of the handlebar snapped in two right at the clamp point. As for the missing pieces, my guess is that they were torn off and discarded along the side of the road somewhere, or were so heavily damaged already that the shards simply fell away...

[Elefantino]

Always. Use. Torque. Wrenches.

[tepextate]

Originally Posted by Elefantino

Always. Use. Torque. Wrenches.

I would imagine the team mechanics are using torque wrenches?

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by tepextate

I would imagine the team mechanics are using torque wrenches?

I wouldn't, they probably think they can feel torque after doing hundreds of times.

[Wattvagen]

aluminum handlebars also can have hidden issues that can lead to failure, especially if you're a corrosive sweater.

[chicagorider]

Can a non-standard clamp do this!? (as per the article)

[Dave]

I can't remember when I last had aluminum bars, but it was well over 20 years ago. No torque wrench, no problems. Mine were all Easton products.

[45K10]

What is super cool is he lead out the sprint and his teammate won.

[Elefantino]

Originally Posted by 45K10

What is super cool is he lead out the sprint and his teammate won.

Further proof that he is rarely human.

[weisan]

It snapped when he was less than 300 meters from the finish.

http://www.steephill.tv/players/720/...440986&yr=2021

[flying]

Originally Posted by weisan

It snapped when he was less than 300 meters from the finish.

I'm glad it did so when he was there & not when he was sprinting for the line
I was watching the show & thought ...That could have been tragic for many!

[jemoryl]

Originally Posted by Wattvagen

aluminum handlebars also can have hidden issues that can lead to failure, especially if you're a corrosive sweater.

I doubt any pro bike ever gets to that stage of sweat-induced corrosion.

[fignon's barber]

If that was a paying customer and not MVP, it would be a real bummer: need a new stem too.

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by fiamme red

https://twitter.com/cyclingtips/stat...93021375700994

"Mathieu van der Poel's handlebars broke at the end of the semi-classic Le Samyn. It appears the bar broke at the lever clamp, likely because the lever clamp was overtightened."

[Edited to add:] After posting, I saw this article: https://cyclingtips.com/2021/03/yep-...hat-you-think/.

It's a Weight Weenie's dream come true!!!!

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by weisan

It snapped when he was less than 300 meters from the finish.

It broke sooner. At 1.5k to go, he throws the bottom part of the drop off to the side of the road.