Corrections to Nov 20 & Dec 19 reviews

By BergMann January 30, 2009

While the review of Dec 19 is helpful in that indicates the widths of Zipp bars are measured Outside-Outside (BackCo take note: specs like this simply MUST be included in the item listing itself), the rest of the listing is incorrect.

The de-facto industry standard for handlebar widths is Center-to-Center in centimeters. While some manufacturers such as Zipp measure Outside-to-Outside, there is NO SUCH THING as nominal handlebar widths measured Inside-to-Inside.

Why does this matter? Because an Easton bar with a nominal 42cm C-C width will be the same width as a Zipp bar with a nominal width of 44.5cm O-O.

While nominal widths are a good starting point, the only surefire way to make sure you are getting the width you need is with actual measurements.

As for the Nov 20 review by a 220 lb "clydesdale" who rides an Orbea Orca and is concerned with stiffness: keep this fact in mind: the ORCA is one of the flexiest carbon frames ever made, especially at the head tube junction.
I've ridden the bike, and the type of bar is almost irrelevant: so much flex comes from the frame and fork steerer, steering will never be precise, especially for a larger rider.
A rider this heavy shouldn't be on a frameset that soft, and probably shouldn't be on a 185g carbon bar either, for that matter.
Cum grano salis, indeed.

View Details: Zipp Speed Weaponry SLC2 Carbon Handlebar

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