Is a Carbon Handlebar Worth Double the Price – and Does it Feel Twice as Good on the Trail?
Is the fear of carbon bar failure still justified today? And is an almost €200 investment really worth it?

In the Renthal range, you’ve got two options: the Fatbar 35 Alu at €94.90 and the Fatbar 35 Carbon at €192.46. Both are top-tier products – but does carbon truly offer that much more?

At VETTA Bike Components, together with our friends, we tested both handlebars in real conditions. Several months of riding, swapping back and forth on the same trails, from Finale Ligure to bike parks and then back-to-back testing on our home tracks. The results? Clear. Read on.

Fatbar Carbon – Pros and Cons

+ More Comfort
One of the most praised features of carbon bars is vibration damping. If the bar is well-engineered – and Renthal definitely knows how – carbon filters out the small chatter that aluminium sends straight into your hands. That means less fatigue, less strain, and more control on long or rough descents.

+ Tunable Stiffness
Using unidirectional carbon layers, engineers can design a bar with varying stiffness in different areas. That means it can be stiffer where you need precision and softer where you want comfort. This so-called “tuneable compliance” is one of carbon’s key advantages.

+ Lightweight
The Fatbar Carbon weighs just 225g, while the aluminium version weighs 305g – which means: quicker response, a more agile feel, easier corrections at speed.

– Higher Price
Almost €100 difference is nothing to scoff at. The production process for carbon is more complex, resulting in a higher price. But – if comfort and performance matter to you, the investment can pay off quickly.

– Less Durability After Impact
If you crash or hit carbon, it can suffer internal damage that may not be visible – and this can be dangerous. After any hard impact, a visual inspection is recommended – cracks, dents, or colour changes are warning signs. If you hit aluminium, it will usually bend instead of snapping.

Fatbar Alu – Pros and Cons

+ Toughness
One of aluminium’s biggest strengths is its crash resistance. Aluminium can take a beating – from small knocks to full-on crashes. If you crash often, are still learning, or like to ride hard, an alu bar is a super reliable choice.

+ Accessible Price
For €94.90, you get a high-performance bar with the exact same geometry as the carbon version. That means no sacrifice in fit – just a bit less comfort.

– More Vibration
Aluminium is stiffer and less compliant – meaning it transfers more vibrations from the trail into your hands. This can lead to more fatigue and less control on longer rides.

– Heavier Weight
At 305g, the Fatbar Alu is about 80g heavier than its carbon counterpart.

When to Choose Which?
Your choice will depend on your bike, riding style, experience and personal preference. In short:

Go for aluminium if:

• You’re a beginner or crash often
• You ride aggressive lines and love jumping
• You’re building a bike on a budget
• Vibrations don’t bother you

Go for carbon if:

• Your hands tire quickly on long descents
• You ride technical, rocky or fast trails
• Precision feel and reduced chatter matter to you
• You’re building your dream bike and want top-tier components

Conclusion
Both bars are exceptional. If you want maximum comfort, reduced fatigue and top trail feel, then the Fatbar 35 Carbon is a brilliant choice. If you prefer raw riding, love jumps, and don’t stress over every crash, then the Fatbar 35 Alu is a tough and dependable bar.

In either case – Renthal remains one of the most trusted names on the market. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be holding one of the best bars out there.

Best place to test handlebars – steep and long trail

🔧 Need more info or help choosing? Call us at +386 40 217 177 or email: info@vetta.si – we’re happy to help. 🙂