Handlebars

In a word, no.

The main reason for carbon on road bikes is vibration absorbtion. A good gel tape will protect you hands and save a few $$. A good riding posture will save even more $$.

No. You just pay for the carbon factor.

And no there isn't that much comfort gain either. Especially since if you're like me, you will be worried that the bar will snap. Considering all the stories out there.

And lastly, most of the bar is covered up by bar tape. Unless you get the ones that have an odd shape, nobody will know the difference.

in my opnion, carbon is just not worth it for any component smaller than a fork, coz there's little (or no) weight difference.

I just looks great 🙂

I just got the Ritchey WCS Carbon handlebar for the vibration damping. There was a negligible weight difference vs my old Alu, but the new bars feel alot better on my healing wrist. I guess it's your budget and needs.

A bit lighter. Possibly a bit more comfortable. A lot more expensive.

But they do look a lot cooler. :p

mgkaplan said:

Is there any significant advantage to upgrading from an aluminum bar to a carbon bar on a carbon road bike. My understanding is that there is not much of a weight difference.

One of the guys I ride with swears by his ergonomic carbon bars. He says the flat top part is much more comfortable. Personally, I don't ride there much so I don't see the advantage in upgrading from my inexpensive aluminum model.

mgkaplan said:

Is there any significant advantage to upgrading from an aluminum bar to a carbon bar on a carbon road bike. My understanding is that there is not much of a weight difference.

My SRP flat top carbon bar cost almost the same as the Easton 7005 alu it replaced. Bling-wise they wont do much if you go for the usual black carbon round coz you'll be coverning them with tape. So if you're going for bling, get the flat tops that dont need covering up and go for silver carbon braid (the carbon weave is in silver). The silver even matches my silver color carbon frame😄

The biggest difference, other than $$, I've noted is one that most don't seems to notice. They are incredibably stiff. I can't speak for every brand/model out there but the Easton EC90's I have make my Deda 215 and Ritchey WCS aluminum bars feel like they are made of rubber.