Kestrel EMS Pro™

Price Paid:  $129.00 at Bicycle Doctor

Bike Setup:
Orbea Starship Carbon. Dura Ace 7800. Easton SLX 90 fork. FSA OS 115 stem. Easton Circuit wheels.

Summary:
Currently have approx. 3,500 miles on these Kestrel EMS Pro bars and am very satisfied with performance. Absolutely no problems. They are stiff and eliminate road vibration. Cable channel a great feature. Highly recommended.

Strengths:
Quite stiff. Soak up the buzz.

Weaknesses:
No issues.

Similar Products Used:
Easton Al.

Price Paid:  $139.00 at manufacturer

Favorite Ride:
Tauern Radweg

Bike Setup:
Merlin titanium frame, record carbon groupo, Ouzo pro fork, ti stem, carbon seat post, kysirium SL wheels.

Summary:
The bar is light and stiff and greatly reduced road vibration into your hands. I cracked the first one I had (due to using a Salsa SUL Stem - causes pinch cracks in carbon), and while EMS was sending a replacement (thanks) I put the old aluminum bars on -- ouch, what a difference. If you use these, be sure the stem does not cause pinch cracks. I called EMS, and they noted a few stems that will cause problems with these bars, stems like the Salsa that exert uneven pressure on the bar. Overall, a great product with good customer service.

Strengths:
Light, stiff, comfortable, durable (provided you use a compatible stem).

Weaknesses:
EMS advertises this as compatible with any stem. That is not quite right, but once you figure that out, its a mighty fine bar for the money.

Similar Products Used:
Many aluminum bars.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Colnago Dream Lux
10 spd Dura-ace
Ambrosio excellight

Summary:
This product is too fragile. I will never trust carbon stuff again. I had 3 rides with the handlebar which I bought it in auction. It slipped in the last ride when I was going downhill. I gotta tighten the clamp again, but then it was overtightened and created a longitudinal crack. i will go back to alloy handlebar for sure

Strengths:
vibration dampening
shiny carbon look

Weaknesses:
fragile
pricy
not very light

Similar Products Used:
Cinelli altera; ITM super italia 260

Price Paid:  $120.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
Kuoto Kredo
Dura Ace
Newton stem
American classic 420s

Summary:
This is my first carbon bar and I am impressed. Though the weight is comprable to most good aluminum bars, it absorbs vibrations better and is equal or better as far as stiffness. The warranty and ability to accept aero bars is a huge plus over other carbon bars.

Strengths:
Accepts aero bars
Right weight/stiffness trade off
Absorbs vibrations well
Plenty of hand position options

Weaknesses:
none

Price Paid:  $80.00 at E-Bay

Favorite Ride:
Shiner Bash

Bike Setup:
2002 Fuji Marseille (Reynolds 853), Velocity Aerohead wheels, Veloflex Pave tires, Ritchey WCS stem and seatpost, Flite TransAm saddle.

Summary:
These bars are pretty stiff and reasonably light. I have spent more time in the drops with these bars, because they soak up the road vibrations (in Houston, the roads are good to really crappy). I got these because they can take aero bars (such as the MS-150, it's more like the MS-185), and they have a lifetime warranty.

Strengths:
Stiffer than all but the heaviest aluminum bars I've tried, my hands aren't numb from a 45-mile fast ride in town, 30-40% in the drops. Take off all but the heaviest road buzz. A decent straight top (unlike Easton bars), and they are very comfortable.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Pro and WCS bars, and an old Cinelli.