Where have all the nice drop handlebars gone?!

I'm in the process of collecting components to build a neo-retro road bike - the frame will be 80's or 90's steel with threaded fork and I'll dress it up with 10-speed Campagnolo all-alloy componentry. No problem so far - it's the finishing kit I'm having trouble with!

I've got a nice looking modern Nitto stem that I'm going to use, but I just can't find a set of bars! Everything is black anodised or white carbon with anatomic curves these days - either that or faux track bars, or a straight piece of piping for a polo bike.

Ideally, what I'd like is a traditional non-ergo bend bar with a relatively deep and square drop. It would be 26.0mm (25.4mm is ok, I can shim it) and preferably with a central sleeve with a nice fancy logo etched on. I'd like double grooves to accomodate Ergopower shifter units. 42cm width is ideal, but I could get by with a 40cm I suppose.

Any suggestions? I guess what I really want is a Cinelli 66 from the early 90's but apart from a couple of NOS on ebay US at >$100 I haven't seen any for a while. I've seen a few 26.4mm ones but I'd need to look for a nice NOS Cinelli stem, and I've never been as keen on the look of Cinelli stems as the bars. The 3TTT Merckx bend would be ideal but never available with grooves, I don't think.

Any suggestions??

Cheers,
Gareth.

nitto make some lovely bars too........

Andy

But generally not grooved though, I think? I was interested in their Dream bar (model 176) but would prefer something grooved.

I have a set of Nitto 123s on my track bike and they're great.

Does anyone know if Nitto have a website anywhere?

fatfixie":stnm4st5 said:

nitto make some lovely bars too........

Andy

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some 66-44's here
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cinelli-66-44-Cha ... 230a6eeeff

sorry didn't read the description, heavily gouged sleeve :cry:

http://www.defietsenmaker.nl

Could try there... it'll be a little more on postage, not being in the UK, but some good deals.

Very cheap NOS double grooved Criteriums, but you'd need the 26.4 stem for that. Think I spotted some 26.0 grooved Giro D'Italia bars. But 38s or 44s I think, so not your ideal.

Worth a look though as I just had a real quick peek.

Nearly forgot, there's some retro bargains over at planet x...

these for a tenner!

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HB3TGPFORM/3ttt-gran-prix-form-handlebar

Again, not your ideal bar (they're ergo I know!), but might be a good bargain.

ive got a set of nitto noodles and running ergos, the grooves arent necessary and the bars dont look wierd shape when taped over the cables. got both cables taped underside front of the bars. great bars and lush looking.

Interesting - could you post a pic when you have time?

Thanks,
Gareth.

creamedhoney":eufna26a said:

ive got a set of nitto noodles and running ergos, the grooves arent necessary and the bars dont look wierd shape when taped over the cables. got both cables taped underside front of the bars. great bars and lush looking.

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Good spot! They're not 'aggressively ergo' so wouldn't look really daft. These ones look lovely:

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/ST3 ... handlebars

but they only have 38cm in stock. Then despite what I said about the Merckx bar not being available grooved, here they are:

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HB3 ... -handlebar

albeit in a grey anodised finished. I wonder just how dark it actually is, in real life?

Anyhow, at those prices it's almost worth taking a punt just in case they do work out!

Cheers,
Gareth.

Cheesedisease":2zp7ydb0 said:

Nearly forgot, there's some retro bargains over at planet x...

these for a tenner!

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/HB3TGPFORM/3ttt-gran-prix-form-handlebar

Again, not your ideal bar (they're ergo I know!), but might be a good bargain.

Click to expand...