I have an ITM Mantis bar that needs to be replaced (sweat-related corrosion...I hope). As long as I'm happy with my postion, I figured I could just replace the bar with an identical ITM bar and I'd be set. After a fruitless internet search, I can only conclude the Mantis bar is no longer made...
This brings up two somewhat unrelated questions:
1. How does one choose a handlebar? The "go to the LBS and see what's comfortable" doesn't really work as they are understandably reluctant to yank off my old bar and put on a new one just so I can tiddle around the block. I know enough to realize ya gotta choose 26 or 31.8 for the stem clamp (now, 26 ITM Mantis 110 stem), and width (currently 46cm o-o or roughly 44 c-c). I also understand the concepts of drop and reach, and assume (yikes!) that, being large (6' 2" 210 lbs.) I need long reach/deep drop.
But how to choose?
2. Does more money spent equal better bar? What I see is largely a difference in material (carbon fiber vs. aluminum alloy) and weight. With my bulk, I don't sweat component grams. So is there a compelling reason to buy an ITM 101 carbon bar ($276, 200 grams) over an ITM 300 ($30, 300 grams) when the reach (88) drop (154) and, as far as my computer pixels can see, shape, are identical? (I know, 3rd question!)
If it matters, the only feature I'm partial to is double grooves, as I ride Campy.
Thanks for reading, and for any helpful tips.
Karl "must have "Alien" -type sweat" Motobacon
This brings up two somewhat unrelated questions:
1. How does one choose a handlebar? The "go to the LBS and see what's comfortable" doesn't really work as they are understandably reluctant to yank off my old bar and put on a new one just so I can tiddle around the block. I know enough to realize ya gotta choose 26 or 31.8 for the stem clamp (now, 26 ITM Mantis 110 stem), and width (currently 46cm o-o or roughly 44 c-c). I also understand the concepts of drop and reach, and assume (yikes!) that, being large (6' 2" 210 lbs.) I need long reach/deep drop.
But how to choose?
2. Does more money spent equal better bar? What I see is largely a difference in material (carbon fiber vs. aluminum alloy) and weight. With my bulk, I don't sweat component grams. So is there a compelling reason to buy an ITM 101 carbon bar ($276, 200 grams) over an ITM 300 ($30, 300 grams) when the reach (88) drop (154) and, as far as my computer pixels can see, shape, are identical? (I know, 3rd question!)
If it matters, the only feature I'm partial to is double grooves, as I ride Campy.
Thanks for reading, and for any helpful tips.
Karl "must have "Alien" -type sweat" Motobacon
