I recently read an article where it mentioned that handlebars ought to be replaced every few years, and more frequently with accidents etc. What do you think - is this something you all do? Context - going to the Alps in the summer with a 3 year old bike and bars...
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 context fine...
If you have a big stack check everything with a toothcomb. especially the sticky out bit's saddle rails, bars, mech hangers, seatposts etc.
Then it's down to you and how comfy you feel riding on your bars and seatpost.
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 Treat yourself to new bars,you wont have to worry and your bike deserves it. 
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If you've had a medium-major crash with bar contact, I'd say it's pretty cheap to replace them seeing as your bike will get pushed to the limit in the alps. Better safe than sorry and it's an excuse to buys some shineys.
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 The only bar I've replaced because I was doubtful about it started clicking (well creaking but it was more of a click). if you're 120kg and use a cheap 120gm bar on a fully rigid bike it might be worth replacing now. If you're 70kg and it's an Answer bar on an FS don't worry about it.
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 If it's a silly light and very old bar OR one you've stacked then change it. IMO, any bar on sale these days has probably been tested to death and has enough over-engineering in it to ensure it will last. Besides, any product that would fail just because it's a few years old is likely to get the manufacturer sued to death in the current climate so I reckon they wouldn't risk it.
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Still running an Orange XC bars from circa 1998 Aluminium actualy gets stronger or so i believe with age and impact, something to do with realignment f crstals mind its a while since |I rad that and I have had a few pints and a large whisky at the nmo.
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something to do with realignment f crstals mind its a while since |I rad that and I have had a few pints and a large whisky at the nmo. Really. I wouldn't have guessed.
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"Had a little drink about an hour ago and its gone right to my head Ohhhhh..........hic
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Ok, sounds like some new bars then  Just had a visit to an LBS (nice guys, Mountain Mania in Tring), and yes while the Easton alloy ones were perfectly adequate I was very impressed by a Richey WCS carbon rizer - any thoughts?
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 truvative holzfeller £30 for bars and stem from merlin.
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 the WCS's are great... for xc.
if you're gonna be going to the alps, and not doing a single climb, i'd go for the eastons personally
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Thanks for the Merlin idea, they've some good offers and I've previously had really good service from them. Although I am going to the Alps, the bike serves two purposes and I have (almost) two build kits/setups for it - one used for uplifts/jumps/North Shore, and one for Bike Parks and The Lakes/Peaks etc. So I do like light gear, but it has to be servicable and safe; price is not so important.
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