A: Both types of handlebars have their advantages and disadvantages.  Aluminum bars are more durable, as they will survive a crash better than carbon bars.  Carbon bars weigh less than aluminum bars.  So which bars “feel” better?  The only way to answer that is to get two bars, with exact width, sweep, and style and have your riding buddy wrap some newspaper over them and do a loop on a local trail with each to decide.  That is the best way to decide what feels best to YOU.

Carbon Bars

Carbon bars are good for those riders looking for a little dampening effect, such as riders who roll with a rigid front fork.  The bars tend to absorb some of the energy/vibration from small hits but don’t take out much of the bite of bigger hits.  While the stiffness of carbon bars varies, some riders feel that they lose a little power when sprinting and have a slightly harder time nailing their intended line under hard braking.  A good carbon bar, like the [amazon-product region="us" text="FSA K-Force XC" type="text"]B000SZNYP0[/amazon-product], can minimize the amount of flex that a carbon bar tends to give.

Aluminum Bars

Aluminum bars are the choice handlebars for performance freaks and for people that crash a lot.  A good aluminum bar, like the [amazon-product region="us" text="Easton EA70" type="text"]B0017KHZU0[/amazon-product] can be a set-and-forget part for those not needing the extra cush or for those that just want a durable and solid performing part.

If carbon or aluminum isn’t your thing, and/or you want the best of both worlds plus added functionality, you could always say the heck with it and get the Jones H-Bar ….if you have an extra $500 burning a hole in your pocket.

A: Here is a list of six underrated, quality parts (and a bike) you may or may not know about.

6. Sunline XC-1 Stem – While Thomson receives all the buzz for being the best stem, there is an underrated competitor in the [amazon-product region="us" text="Sunline XC-1 stem" type="text"]B002AAAODQ[/amazon-product].  Sunline, who has been making quality motocross parts for many years, makes a lightweight, aluminum stem that can hang with anyone.  In both black and a sexy dark grey, this stem adds some bling to anyone’s horse.  +/- 6 degree rise and in 90, 100, or 110 mm length, it is sure to fit your XC needs.

5. Shimano SLX Cranks - Everyone likes Shimano cranks, no doubt, but the SLX series is truly an underrated crank.  Available in both a three chainring (FC-M660) and a dual chainring (FC-M665) with bash guard, these attractive two-tone cranks are stiff, affordable, and offer steel pedal inserts.

4. GT Peace 9r – When looking for a nice, rigid, single-speed 29er, the Redline Monocog tends to be one of the most recommended bikes, and for good reason (I have one and LOVE it).  However, an often overlooked, solid, and fun bike is GT Peace 9r.  Performance Bike has them for 20% off all the time, and if you become a “team member” you can save yourself an additional 10%.  Not a bad deal for such a solid bike.

3. Luv Handles – No, not your love handles, Clyde, Groovy Cycle Works Luv Handlebars.  While the On One Mary handlebars receive many accolades, some people like the idea, just not that much sweep.  Enter the custom made Luv Handlebars.  Built of 4130 aircraft steel or 3/2.5 Haynes Titanium,  these bars sport a gentle 4 degree rise and a 21.5 degree back sweep, meeting the natural anatomic position of your wrist and hands to allow for reduced stress on the supportive structures  resulting in all day comfort and control.

2. BBG Bashguard/Chainring - You don’t know you need a bashguard until it is too late.  I have these on all of my bikes and love them.  Simple.  Inexpensive.  The BBG bash is lightweight, strong, and looks great.  You simply cannot go wrong with one.

1. TomiCOGs - So, you want to try fixed gear on your mountain bike (you’re crazy)?  Looking to use mtb hubs in that fixed gear?  Tired of lockring issues?  Enter the TomiCog.  Get this bolt-on cog for your wheelset and get back to simplicity.  These are laser cut, Type 304 stainless steel 1/2″ pitch chain drive bicycle cogs. They are cut to match a standard 6-bolt mtn bike disc rotor mount. Laser etched tooth count and logo, ground tooth bevel.

A: There are pros and cons to both types of seat clamps.

Bolt Style Seat Clamps

Bolt style seat clamps are good for people who will be leaving their bike somewhere unattended, as it is simply a matter of undoing a QR and stealing your expensive Thomson seat post and Brooks saddle you have on your bike.  $200 gone in the blink of an eye.  Also torquing a bolt with a torque wrench is a handy feature to have, especially if you are running a carbon seat post.  Weight weenies will also appreciate the lighter weight of a bolt style vs. a QR. Generally speaking bolt style clamps tend to be cheaper, making the penny pinchers happy as well.

Quick Release Seat Clamps

QR style seat clamps are especially good for people who do a lot of downhill, or have big drops so they can lower their seat prior to tackling.  If you are the type that likes to switch up bikes, with riding buddies, for a loop or two, QR seat clamps make it a snap to adjust for each rider. Finally, for riders that like to switch up their seats and/or posts between street riding and trail riding, a QR style clamp is handy option to have.