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Trek XXX Lite Handlebars – Single Use Item

by Justin Ball on September 4th, 2008

I managed to get out and inspect my bike a bit more tonight. Turns out that I did more than just scrap the handlebars. Putting any downward pressure on the hoods bends the right side. When I hit I must have crushed the carbon. It will be interesting to see what they look like when I pull the tape off. I am betting it won't be a pretty site. I'm not really surprised I guess. The bars are super light and with the small amount of carbon they use I don't think they were intended to make it through a direct impact.

Still I can't find a scratch on the frame, fork or wheels. That is good news. Bars are easy to replace. An entire bike is not.

From Cycling

  • Ben Murray
    Hello Justin,

    Still in love with your 6.9 ? I'm shopping for a 6.9 with the bars and wheels of the 6.5. Any comments on the stiffness, acceleration, high speed downhill (stability) ? Other comments ?

    Hard to find reviews on the 6.5 or 6.9...

    Thanks

    Ben
  • I really do like my Madone. I recommend them if you can find a deal. I think the 9k Trek is now charging for a 6.9 is a bit nuts. I have to admit that I love the XXX lite wheels. They feel fast and light. I don't notice flex (I'm 170-175lbs depending on the day). The XXX Lite bars that I trashed when I went over were light, but they felt light and somewhat flexible to me. I guess that's the price you pay for weight loss. I now ride with Easton EC90 equipe pro bars. They are a few grams heavier, but I don't notice. They feel more substantial in my hands and don't flex. The bike is responsive but comfortable. My old aluminum bike sent every aberration in the road right up my spine. The Madone smooths out the road quite nicely. My one complaint is in the area of stability. It doesn't track as straight as I would like. However, it might be at least partially my fault. Because of a bad back and just my general anatomy I ride with a fairly tall and short stem. I'm planning on throwing the original stem back on the bike to see if it makes a difference in the ride.

    It probably won't really make a huge difference in making your choice but the Madone is still hand made in Wisconsin. I liked the idea of buying something made by craftsman here in the United States. Here's a fun video that show's how they make it:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVbmcnsXXs

    In summary it is a fun, fast but comfortable bike. I love it.

    I would recommend trying out a number of bikes before dropping the cash. I love my Trek but when it comes to bikes my loyalty is all over. Time builds an awesome bike. They track straight and ride like a cloud, but they are also quite expensive. The Calfee I rode was very elegant and smooth. I've never ridden a Strong (custom titanium bike), but just to be different I will likely pick up one of his bike's the next time I invest in a new toy.

    If I had the cash you'd find one of each of the above bikes in my garage.
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