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Submitted by
Richard Dort
a Cross Country Rider
from Plymouth, ME
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | UMaine Forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Light, trick looking, STRONG! | | Weaknesses: | People constantly coming up to you saying that they will break on you because they are carbon. Not because they are eastons. | | Similar Products Used: | Titec AL bars. | | Bike Setup: | K2 5500c with stock stem (no markings), Full SRAM drivetrain w/ twist shifters, Magura 33s, Rolf Dolimites, upgraded shocks to Fox Float RLs. | | Bottom Line: | They work, are light, and bullet proof. I am 220lbs and ride very technical trails here in ME. I have buried the end of the bars over and inch into the ground twice and they still work with no signs of anything being wrong. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Racer
from Ho-Ho-Kus NJ USA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | bought used from a friend | | Strengths: | light, proper width and sweep - just the way a flat bat should feel. very rigid for a CF bar. | | Weaknesses: | early carbon bars like these required reinforced bar-end plugs, but i dont use em so who cares! | | Bottom Line: | compared to other carbon products like from LP these easton bars are fantastic, they fit just right with the correct measurements from the factory. strongest/stiffest CF bar ive seen! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View CA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Henry Coe | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | oem | | Strengths: | 4 years and 5K miles with no marks | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Aluminum bars | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey Shorty Bar Ends
Thomson Stem | | Bottom Line: | These bars have been fabulous. I just took them off to put on some Monkey Lites and there isn't a mark on them from the Thomson stem or the Ritchey Shorty bar ends. They look as good as the day I bought them. These carbon fiber bars are the only way to go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel VanDurmen
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, OK. USA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Mountain Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles of Tulsa | | Strengths: | Perfect width and sweep, absorbs vibration, light, strong, and looks killer! | | Weaknesses: | None so far! Other peoples coments about Thompson stem compatability has me a little concerned. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott AT-3, Qranck, Zoom 170. | | Bike Setup: | Castellano Fango, XTR, Thompson, Crossmax XL, IRC Notos, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Well worth the money. Safe for use with bar ends as long as you pick a model with a wide smooth clamp. I've had bar ends on mine since new with no problems. Odi's new clamp-on grips are good with this bar since you don't have to use adhesive or solvents to get them on and off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seeker
a Cross Country Rider
from SC
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Super lightweight. Absorbs big shocks like a spring. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe too light. Springiness can be a little disconcerting when switching from AL bar bike to CF bar bike. Easy to crush these bars with the wrong stem and minimal clamp force. | | Similar Products Used: | geez lots of AL bars | | Bottom Line: | These things would be perfect if the center stem mount area was solid carbon fiber. Maybe the bar end mount are too - say a friction fit carbon plug (are you listening Veltec?).
These bars are real easy to damage with Thomson stems. And the damage is completely concealed until you tear your front end down for a fork change (or the bar shears in half while you're riding!). Easton knows about the Thomson compatibility issue but doesn't offer any info at their website or in handlebar documentation.
On the other hand, their warranty and CS is excellent.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ming Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Central
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chi Ma Wan | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Flying Ball | | Strengths: | Looks high tech, light and very durable. | | Weaknesses: | None right now | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F4000SL hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Thought I'd give some feedback on the CT2 since the bar has been very good to me so far (knock on wood). Keep hearing stories of bar's breaking in mid air etc. which scares the bejeezus out of me but I've had no issues at all with CT2. Would recommend this to anyone who lives by the moto "light is right". When I get my new full suspension rig I won't hesitate to put on another Easton carbon bar, probably give the monkey light XC a shot.
Safe riding ....
Ming | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Best
a Racer
from Lake Ann, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Country Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Strengths: | Super light and it looks great. | | Weaknesses: | It has dented on the ends where I have my bar ends, which causes my barends to twist when I pull back on them super hard. Not a huge deal though. | | Bike Setup: | K2 Zed Team, XTR everything, Crossmax wheels, Manitou Mars CL fork | | Bottom Line: | Great handlebar. Carbon fiber is super strong. Plus it looks fabulous. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sarah
a Racer
from Pittsburg, KS
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Devil's Den, AR | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lightweight, some flex, snob appeal :) | | Weaknesses: | the unshakable fear they might snap | | Similar Products Used: | Easton Scandium | | Bottom Line: | Had one for almost a year. Carefully tightened my stem/shifter/brake clamps and check these areas every 2 weeks for signs of scratching or abrasion, etc. If you tend to be slightly OCD like this, then these are the things you'll love about this bar: SO light and oh-so sexy, eases the metallic chatter you once knew on rocks, has a definite flex you learn to love, proven safe when used responsibly (read the manufacturer's directions.)
For those big, studly downhiller types, you too can love this bar! It's all about following the tech specs and respecting the properties of the material. And yep, it will break if you scratch it enough. I give it full flaming lumps for value and overall rating, because in my opinion, this is the best thing on the market in it's category. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terri
a Racer
from Orlando, FL USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback, Reddick FL | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop | | Strengths: | Great absorbing shock - no more carpel tunnel symptoms after long rides and races. Lightweight. Looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Dangerous. They break and don't bend. Don't have faith if using on rough terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | Aluminum | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Homegrown Pro Enlightened - XT/XTR derailers, cranks. Thompson seatpost & stem, Cane Creek Pro Wheelset w/ ti spokes and hubs, Avid shifters. No barends - quit using those a long time ago - no need in Florida. | | Bottom Line: | My handlebar broke as I was decending a very steep drop off. All I remember was loosing control and grabbing onto the air - while holding my handlebars. When I came to, I had a concussion, broken scapula, and damage to the AC joint - I go for the MRI tomorrow. The bars broke clean at the stem clamp. They were not overtightened and I have never used bar-ends on them. I have put these bars through a lot of races for the past year of use and they have over 2500 miles on them with all the urban assaults. I really liked them but have lost faith in carbon now. Back to aluminum for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, MI
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Durability, Lightweight, Appearance, Shock Absorption | | Weaknesses: | Some flex (but absorbs the shock!), Short length. | | Similar Products Used: | Answer, Profile, Stock Icon bar. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8500 | | Bottom Line: | Excellent Handlebar. Why would anyone use anything else? I was somewhat concerned when I bought it back in 99 about breakage at a 185lbs, but after 2+ years heavy use, several crashes and using long bar ends I have not had any problems. Excellent price considering its competition and overall value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from No-CAL
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Durable, light, looks | | Weaknesses: | Price | | Bike Setup: | SC Superlight | | Bottom Line: | I've used this bar for a while now. It is on bike number 2.
I have crashed at least a dozen times with this bar. A few times very hard.(I.E. broken helmet) It still looks great and will probably keep going for a while longer.
I think back to before I had the CT2 and how many times I would have to buy a new bar after a hard crash. Alloy bars are cheap, but in the long run the CT2 is a better value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fish
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything up in Pisgah + Bull Mt. & Chicoppee | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Outback Bikes - ATL | | Strengths: | Weight, absorption quallity & looks | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bars. Bought originally to help take some of the punishment out of riding an aluminum hardtail, it worked great. Now have on my new full suspension rig and they are as good as ever. I have had my share of great recks and these things are still in mint condition. Be carefull with bare ends as some will crack the gel coat on the carbon and ruin them. I use som little light plastic bar ends that Easton recomended and they work great. Light, strong and lasted 2+ years, double thumbs up. Great bars, worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Rider
a Racer
from Columbus
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | bike surpluss | | Strengths: | SUPER LIGHT AND REALLY STRONG | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | THERE IS NOTHING THAT COMPARES TO THIS! | | Bike Setup: | C-DALE EAVEN 2000 FR, FULL XTR DRIVETRAIN, FOX FLOAT R, SUPER-FATTY D, HOPE DH DISC, MAVIC WHEELSET W/ XT HUBS, EASTON BARS AND POST | | Bottom Line: | BUY THIS IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT IT IS WORTH IT
THIS DISERVES 7 STARS OUTTA 5
THEY ROCK | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lo_dee
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta,Canada
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, vibration dampening, sexy | | Weaknesses: | Expensive | | Bottom Line: | Beautiful looking bar that has held up fine (even after my original front fork didn't). Lightweight isn't a problem even if you like to take the odd jump during your riding routine. Lifetime warranty sounds good on paper...we'll see....haven't had problems yet. Too bad they don't make one in a 0 degree bend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy Norejko
a Racer
from Lancaster, PA USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Marsh, PA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | light, shock absorbing | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Answer aluminum bars | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight with XT, XTR parts | | Bottom Line: | I would highly recommend this handlebar to anyone who has problems with hand and wrist pain when ride. I just finished a 6 hour endurance race with mostly rock and root terrain with no hand fatigue, that I usually suffer from when riding the same conditions with an aluminum bar. This bike makes a significan difference in weight as well. The fromt end of my bike feels much lighter with these bars. Buy em. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Rajewski
a Weekend Warrior
from Shelby Twp, MI
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontiac Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | n/a | | Strengths: | Light, Strong, Vibration Dampening.... followed up by THE BEST WARRANTY IN MT. BIKING. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | C-dale Super V, Race Face/XTR drivetrain, Easton Carbon post and Bar. | | Bottom Line: | After several rides where the bar spun in my stem, I decided to get serious and crank it down. Needless to say, DON'T do this. I over-tigntened the stem and cracked the bar. Easton's I-net site directed me to Patrick Pillar at Valtec sports (they handle the warranties). I sent the bar to Patrick, they "inspected" it...determined I was a bone head and SENT ME A NEW BAR ANYWAY ! ! ! No, their products are not "cheap" to purchase but they are cheap to own over the long term. I HIGHLY recommend their products. Thanks ! ! ! You guys rock ! Let's see.......how do I give em SIX flamin chillies............ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dustin
a Cross Country Rider
from charlottesville, va, us
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | looks tight if you take a close look at it
pretty light (125g for a 5 degree rise)
damps those vibrations | | Weaknesses: | getting grips on SUCKS | | Similar Products Used: | easton ea70, bontrager race | | Bike Setup: | trek 800, all lx/xt | | Bottom Line: | this bar is a really great one, probably the best, if you wanna pay 70$. you can get an EA70 for 40 bucks and it is just as light, BUT IT DON'T DAMPEN THE VIBRATION! this bar mellows those jagged rocks and quick root hits that a lots of suspension wont even recognize as a hit. feels like a rolling glide over the rough stuff, while just as stiff as ANY aluminum. you want it. you know you do. so get the mutha. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marko Blau
a Racer
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Trials | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | Very, very, very light | | Weaknesses: | cracks on both sides of the stem clamb | | Bottom Line: | First see a foto or a video of my broken monkey lite here (copy and paste the whole link):
http://www.vtcz.ch/index.php?goto=/pages/video/cracked.php?url_s=englisch
DON'T BUY THESE HANDLEBARS!!! Mine now have two cracks on both sides of the stem clamb. I think its not caused by the clamb. It is a construction problem. The bars are made of two halfs I think, very weak. At least this construction is a problem when you mount the bars not horizontally. In this case you have greater loads on the seam where the two carbon halfs are bonded together. You might not see the cracks, put some white paint on the seam near the stem clamb and then push the bars down pretty strong, now the crack should open, if there is any and you'll see it because of the white paint.
Ok I rode this bars on a trials bike and jumped a lot but I'm not heavy, only 65 kg and rode the bars for only about 4 months. One other problem ist the bad roundness of the bars. THere is a roundness error of 0.5 mm. When you measure the diameter of the bar around it, then youll find a difference of 0.5mm between smallest and biggest diameter. Because of this youll damage the bars while tightening the brake levers (the pressure is not the same around the bar).
I'd say very, very bad manufacturing... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Toste
a
from Ukiah, California
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail I haven't been on | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | These bars are really comfortable. I usually break aluminum 120g bars, but not these. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | A 01 Ellsworth Truth with all the fixin's
| | Bottom Line: | If you are worried about putting barends on this bar, make sure you read Easton's note. It's not a problem. Do not and I mean DO NOT over tighten your barends. This will prolong the life of the bars. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from City of Trees
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | that one, this one, every one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Light, strong, vibration dampening. | | Weaknesses: | Wee bit spendy, could be a little wider. | | Similar Products Used: | Race Face hi-rise bar, Icon AL flat bar, Specialized Lo-rise. | | Bike Setup: | Gunnar frame, Thomson post/stem, XTR/517 wheelset, Race Face cranks, Time ATAC, etc..... | | Bottom Line: | Great handlebar! I have tried 4 - 5 different bar and stem combos and I think that this bar is a winner. I was never sure what people meant when they talked about "vibration dampening" before I rode this bar the first time. I don't use bar ends, so no issues with that. My only wish is that this bar was an inch wider - but that's probably because I switch back and forth between this 23" wide flat bar on my geared bike and the 26.5" riser I have on my singlespeed. Hands down, this is the best flat bar on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fritzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | MTBR - classifieds | | Strengths: | Light, looks, *maybe* some absorption | | Weaknesses: | Apparently, it can break. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheapie DH bar that came on another used bike | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight, Mavic CrossMax, SRAM shifters/brakes/rear derailleur, Raceface SYStem (soon to get bar) | | Bottom Line: | Even though the bar broke on me last night, I still think it's a decent product. Would I ride on one again? No. My confidence in carbon has been lost forever. I actually sheared the entire right side of the bar off (up to the stem) while pulling *UP* for small rock face I wanted to wheelie on. Thank god it didn't happen while on a technical decent. I didn't over tightened the stem clamp as I've been able to twist the bar within my RaceFace SYStem on harder landings. I think the main problem is that carbon doesn't bend, it breaks, so no warning or limp-home mode is available. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lang
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Weight, shock absorbtion, strength, looks. | | Weaknesses: | unable to use bar ends if needed. | | Bottom Line: | Performs as advertised. Darn light but does not give you any insecure feelings when riding. Works great with the MG60 (though the oxidation lets the stem down).
An excellent and dependable product. Minus one for value only because I got mine expensive :( | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Anahiem Hills, CA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | John Bull | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light weight and very stiff. Did I mention strong too? I was suprised. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | I did my research, including speaking Easton directly before purchasing this bar. I am a larger rider (6'3"/220) and thought this may not hold up to my riding. According to the brand manager at Easton, they would without difficulty. And so I purchased them.
I went ODB on a nasty/rutty/rocky downhill with them and they came out unscathed. Love the weight and the rigidity.
Great purchase! Great product! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenji
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, Md
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | AVALON | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | Light weight, shock absorbtion, cool looking, reliable, great bars, except... | | Weaknesses: | No reinforced bar-end plugs. Gesh, you would think that as much $$$ you pay for this stuff, Easton would make it easier to clamp components to their products. | | Similar Products Used: | Aluminum handlebars | | Bike Setup: | 97 Homegrown - hard-tail | | Bottom Line: | I love these bars. I've had them close to two years and haven't had any problems with them other than my bar-ends slipping.
I hate the fact that they don't come with a solid, light weight plug that can be used to reinforce the addition of bar plugs. For that reason these bars are over-priced.
For those that are having bar-end problems, you can find cheesey bar-end reinforcement plugs that provide enough support to tighten down your bar-ends. Best of all, they're made in Taiwan! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Fenton
a Racer
from Clinton Connecticut
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | www.performacebike.com | | Strengths: | It is incredibly stiff, yet the carbon eradicates vibrations. It's the lightest, yet its the strongest. The crash repacement policy is the best i've seen. I love thsi bar and will use it on all of my XC bikes, thanks easton! | | Weaknesses: | can't use barends, and i don't have another bike i can put one on, soo it looks like i'll only be using one CT2 this year :-( Maybe I'll by another bike so i will have a legitimate reason for buying another one, :-D | | Similar Products Used: | alluminum bars | | Bike Setup: | K2 | | Bottom Line: | awsome bars. Why buy anything else? It's the lightest and the strongest, except when u put barends on them. These are my favorite bars, you wont be disapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Prescott, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Submarine rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Light, flexible. Helps soak some of the vibration. No numbness with this bar on lomg rides | | Weaknesses: | over tightening clamps can score the bar causing failure | | Similar Products Used: | Aluminum bars. first carbon | | Bike Setup: | S-Works hard tail | | Bottom Line: | Recommend it to anyone even if it is a little pricey This bar soaks up the hits and is super light. I prefer it over the aluminum bar I had before. Don't know how it holds up in a crash, yet. Good looking graphics. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Light Weight, Great Looking, Very Strong | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Handelbar | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race | | Bottom Line: | A great handelbar at a great price! You can't beat the replacement warranty!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl Ehlert
a Racer
from Redwood City, CA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | find your own! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Veltec | | Strengths: | really do lessen high frequency vibration, stiff and LIGHT</ |
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$ 70.00
