You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I'm desperate to lighten the load of my Orange 5 for summertime.I'm thinking carbon handlebars and seat post,any thoughts?
I've sorted the wheels.
Easton Monkeylite carbon bars have been flawless for me over a couple of years, so maybe the Haven (711mm) or EC70 XC in oversize 685mm.
Carbon seat posts: last time I considered them they seemed a lot of £'s for very little or no weight saving. Plus, as someone who likes to drop the saddle often they damage easily. I've also seen them damaged by over enthusiastic clamping, something I could easily do when the bloods pumping or I'm tired.
I went for an SDG Bell Air and post but I-beam - £55 for the pair, a 185g railed saddle would be more than that alone, and the post is 220g, which is lighter than a Thompson? The carbon version of the post saves 20g IIRC, so not worth considering for me. No issues in 3 years. Don't be tempted by the even lighter I-Fly I-beam saddle though, weight trimmed down to the point of being uncomfortable, even on a FS (I-beam has less give than rails) and no real nose to sit on for climbing. I mostly ride a hardtail, which has toughened my behind up noticeably, but still didn't get in with the I-Fly I-Beam. My buddy uses the railed version so must be a different feel.
The I-Beam carbon is good if you've a hardtail, as it gives plenty of comfort.
But second a standard I-Beam seat/post combo.
And for bars, I've a pair of Easton DH carbons, a bit heavier but sturdy.
Thomson or Hope 90mm 0 degrees stem with FSA carbon k force bars!
Brilliant!
Check Fleabay for great deals on the bars!
[img] 
[/img]