LP Composites B3 Handlebar
By James Sharp

Handlebars are among the most basic, yet vital, components of a mountain bike. Their role is simple-provide a place to grab onto and bolt controls. In spite of this simple role, the response from manufacturers is vast. Every material known to cycling is used, from steel to titanium, from aluminum to carbon fiber.

LP Composites is a well known manufacturer of carbon fiber handlebars with a distinctive yellow and black carbon/kevlar weave. (All of LP's products are available with either the carbon/kevlar or all black carbon. The weights are the same.) These are available in the DH, B3, B5 and the new XC Riser. The B3 and the B5 are flat bars available in 22- (125 grams) and 23-inch (127grams) versions with 3 or 5 degree bends respectively. The DH is available in 25 (210 grams) and 26 inches (214 grams). It has a 1.75-inch rise with a 10-degree back and 3-degree up bend. The XC Riser comes with 24 (180 grams) or 25-inch (183 grams) lengths and a 1-inch rise. It also has a 7-degree bend. I rode the B3 in the 23-inch length, with the carbon/kevlar weave.

Installation was simple. LP recommends wiping both the new bar and the things that are going to clamp to it with Isopropyl alcohol. This will clean the surfaces and prevent slipping. Since clamping down on the bar too much can split it, take every measure you can to prevent slipping without over tightening.. I didn't do this at first, but after experiencing some bar-end slippage I took everything off and cleaned the bars and clamps. This took care of the problems. Newer LP bars have a plug in the end to prevent splitting the bar by over tightening bar ends.

Carbon fiber has a reputation as being strong, yet very light. At 127 grams, (a little over º pound) the B3 is light. So far (1100 miles of use/abuse) the bars have held up very well, so I concur with the strength claim. One thing that I did find disconcerting at first was how much these bars flex. I can get them to move an eighth of an inch vertically. This seemed excessive at first, but I didn't notice it at all while riding. I am sure that this movement contributes to its vibration damping on the pavement. Road shock just doesn't seem to make it to my hands. This decreases hand and arm fatigue over long distances. The only times that I have ever worried about the amount of flex the bars exhibit is after stair jumps. This is a racer's bar after all, and isn't made for jumping off buildings. LP does make more "extreme" handlebars such as the DH and XC Riser.

While the yellow and black color might not be for everyone, no one will confuse it for an aluminum bar. It screams CARBON FIBER. Besides, they do make an all black version, for the more conservative types out there. The B3 and B5 retail for $89 and the DH retails for $118. The XC riser sells for $99. Carbon fiber isn't cheap, but it feels like no other material.

Summary: The LP Composites handlebars aren't cheap, but they are strong, light, and have excellent damping characteristics. They do have some issues with slipping, but with proper installation and cleaning this really won't come up. They look great, while helping you ride longer with less fatigue. I, for one, will not trade these bars for aluminum, titanium, or steel.

James Sharp is a new contributor to GearReview.com and specializes in mountain biking.

For more information contact:
www.lpcomposites.com
LP Composites, Inc.
P.O. Box 977
White Salmon, Washington 98672
Phone: 509.493.4447
Fax: 509.493.4420