GamJams Review: Handlebar and Stem.

I few years back I changed out my stock Bontrager aluminum handlebars for some carbon ones. Which one did I choose? Well it was the FSA K-Wing Bars. I got them used from a local racer who went pro and got a good deal on them. I saw a few guys who had the bars and they really liked them. So I decided to try them out. I went on a search for a carbon stem as well and picked up one off of E-bay for a good price. I picked up a Bontrager Race XXX lite carbon stem in a 130 mm length. After a year, I decided to try a shorter stem and bought one in 120mm. It felt a bit better as I think I was reaching too far. BJ Basham professionally measured me and told me that I should probably get a shorter stem 110mm and move the seat backwards another couple of centimeters. I haven't picked up my stem yet, which an old teammate will be selling me. I really like the stem as it is beefy, stiff, and light. The carbon bars, and stem both absorb and dampen vibrations. I don't think I notice too much difference from my aluminum bars and stems. The major difference is the flat top of the bars which is pretty comfortable and the sloping area before the brake hoods. It was designed to make it a bit more comfortable and provide more room. I think the best thing I received by switching is all of the riders looking at the "bling" Yes, they are cool to look at. The stiffness is probably a bit stiffer than the aluminum bars which I like. The weight is probably similar to aluminum bars. So all in all I have enjoyed the bars.

My recommendation? Well bars are bars. As long as they are light and stiff. Then they should work. The FSA K-Wings are recommended for their flat tops, cutout above the brake hoods for comfort, ong as they are light and stiff. Then they should work. The FSA K-Wings are recommended for their flat tops, cutout above the brake hoods for comfort and their cool look. The bontrager Race XXX lite stems are definitely a winner for me. They are light, durable, stiff and work well and I don't have any slippage holding onto the FSA K-wing bars. Oh yes.. the FSA have a rougher area around the stem area so that they don't have any issues slipping.