[honkinunit]

I just bought some MonkeyLite XC bars (not the SL model). I use and love ODI Lock On grips on my current bars. Are Lock Ons safe on Easton Carbon bars? I know some people use them, but the instructions with the bars only address bar ends, not Lock Ons. I'm guessing if the end of the bar can handle bar ends, that the outside Lock On clamp is not an issue, but maybe Easton reinforces the end of the bar for bar ends?

BTW, I have a torque wrench, and I know how to use it.

 

[frank n. beans]

I just bought some MonkeyLite XC bars (not the SL model). I use and love ODI Lock On grips on my current bars. Are Lock Ons safe on Easton Carbon bars? I know some people use them, but the instructions with the bars only address bar ends, not Lock Ons. I'm guessing if the end of the bar can handle bar ends, that the outside Lock On clamp is not an issue, but maybe Easton reinforces the end of the bar for bar ends?

BTW, I have a torque wrench, and I know how to use it.

I would guess that if you are going to clamp brake levers and shifters on the bars as well they should be able to withstand the lock ons as well. CF parts scare me though.

 

[Ken in KC]

My unofficial 2¢...

I just bought some MonkeyLite XC bars (not the SL model). I use and love ODI Lock On grips on my current bars. Are Lock Ons safe on Easton Carbon bars? I know some people use them, but the instructions with the bars only address bar ends, not Lock Ons. I'm guessing if the end of the bar can handle bar ends, that the outside Lock On clamp is not an issue, but maybe Easton reinforces the end of the bar for bar ends?

BTW, I have a torque wrench, and I know how to use it.

I am running Easton CF bars on both my bikes: Retrotec Singlespeed and Turner 5-Spot. I'm also running ODI Lock Ons on both these bikes. My reasoning is that if the bars can handle brakes and shifters, they can handle grips.

I was cautious with my torque and gradually increased the tension until the grips didn't spin while I rode. I suspect that if you torqued the Lock On bolts to their specified torque rating, you would be just fine.

My views and opinions in this case are just that, views and opinions. I haven't confirmed one bit of this with anyone at Easton. They may offer recommendations that are contary to the advice I've given.

Ken

 

[Wobbegong]

No Problems Here.....

I haven't had a problem.

 

[jonowee]

I've seen in some of the past threads of carbon fibre handlebars consistently failing only at the brake lever clamp.
In response to your question, I doubt Lock-Ons will put much pressure on the bars, bar ends are one of the worst culprits.

I'm with frank n. beans, carbon fibre controls scare me too. I don't want to go down a rock garden and have them fail on me.

I know you can save 100g by using CF, but it's one risk I wouldn't take.

 

[Eltbee]

I haven't had a problem.

Wobbegong: What do you think about those new style bar end tips for the ODIs? I got some with my ODI Oury grips. While they look cool, I had constant problems with them getting knocked off by trees. I couldn't find a solution (besides not hitting trees).

 

[frank n. beans]

I haven't had a problem.

True, but those look like some fresh parts. How many hours / crashes do you have on those bars?

My problem with CF bars is this: I like to set my brake levers semi-loose, so they can rotate instead of snap / bend in a crash. However, that twisting is exactly the type of movement that will cause scoring on the CF... which is exactly what you do not want to do to them.

 

[Ultra Magnus]

Mee too.. I run easton carbon bars and odi grips.. No probs.. I don't fear carbon. Just don't overtighten anything, and before installing anything, RADIUS THE EDGES. The insides of my X7 triggers and avid levers were darn sharp out of the box. Also, I weigh ~200lbs (in riding gear), but I don't huck my XC bike either.

 

[pacman]

True, but those look like some fresh parts. How many hours / crashes do you have on those bars?

My problem with CF bars is this: I like to set my brake levers semi-loose, so they can rotate instead of snap / bend in a crash. However, that twisting is exactly the type of movement that will cause scoring on the CF... which is exactly what you do not want to do to them.

I put one layer of electrical tape between the CF bar and the loosey brake levers (edge filed too), can't scratch now!

 

[Warp]

My 2 cents...

God Bless aluminum Cockpits !!!!

A carbon seatpost or frame is OK to me but some carbon bars.... I' rather shave 100 grams out of myself.

 

[HTail]

No prob

Not sure exactly what you're asking, but I have the Monkey SL's and having great success with lock-on's. In fact I'd never go back to regular grips. However, I'm also not going back to bar ends and honestly not sure if I'd trust having bar ends on a carbon bar. I've seen my old aluminum flat bars get crunched at the ends due to bar end clamps. Maybe check Easton's web site for FAQ's, user manuals, or recommendations?

 

[frank n. beans]

Nice idea, never thought of that.

 

[SuperNewb]

I use lockon grips on my monkeylite and have no problems with it so far.
3 year old bar too * watches the nay sayers get squimish*
When I tighten them I only go so tight as to watch that I dont strip the head or the bolt itself.

Before the lockon grips I used spray paint to hold my grips on. That worked really well for me too.

 

[laxguy86]

ive got the lock ons on my carbon, no problem here.

-dM

 

[ozlongboarder]

no problems

I had odi rogues on monkey lite sl's for over 2.5 years. Plenty of spills and tree hits with absolutely no problems. Just do it up PT not VFT.

 

[jonowee]

Wobbegong: What do you think about those new style bar end tips for the ODIs? I got some with my ODI Oury grips. While they look cool, I had constant problems with them getting knocked off by trees. I couldn't find a solution (besides not hitting trees).

I don't use ODI's endplugs because I run bar ends, but ODI do make an end plug out of alloy. The major advantange of this Thug Plugs is the new design, instead of the old plastic ones that sat like a fat bump over the end Lock-On clamp just like the picture above from Wobbegong, these new one covers just the open face of the end of the handlebars.
ODI's Thug Plugs

Here's Hope's interpretation:

IMO the Grip Doctor is much better than the Thug Plug, a more trust-worthy hex end (instead of a easier to strip screw), nice fat bolt to spread pressure around more (even if you don't torque it up much) and look at the bit that is inside the bar, it's nice and fat (more surface area to stay put with).

Either one you pick, these babies offer a more streamline design, less exposed area to get knocked off by trees.