When building a retro project, one just about about has to go with classic round bend drops for the real effect. I can't think of one modern bar that is not ergo.

So after installing some round 3T Competizione drop bars, which I haven't had on a bike since the late 80s, I'm finding that I actually like the feel again in the drops. My hands aren't all that big I find that I have to reach quite a bit to the levers with ergo bars, and I have to shove my hand way into the bend before the flat section to be half way comfortable when shifting or braking.

The round drops put my fingers closer to the levers at more places in the drop. The whole ergo drop movement seems like a solution in search of a problem.

The biggest factor of course.....round drops just look cool! :cool:

brewster

When building a retro project, one just about about has to go with classic round bend drops for the real effect. I can't think of one modern bar that is not ergo.

I followed that logic even further and wrapped my bars in punishing Tressostar cloth tape :D Anyhow, this photo shows that modern classic-bend bars are out there, and that I need to concentrate more on home upkeep and less on bicycles.

I love classic bends. Mine is shallow.

http://velospace.org/files/IMG_4166.jpg

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Nitto drop bars.

I have several steel frames with quill stems. I hafta say that a Cinelli stem and bar combo makes my bikes look fabulous. My favorite handlebar. Cinelli Campione del Mondo 44/66.

The Deda 215 comes in a non-anatomic shallow bend that's very close to the classic Cinelli mod 64. They are super light as well. I run mod 64's on all my old bikes and the Deda's on my modern race bike.

I'd say if you're gonna ride it a lot, I'd go for a modern set with a "classic" bend. Imo, the level of comfort and added positions of such a bar will facilitate more riding. I just pulled the 64's off my wifes bike for a more modern bar, and it made a big difference in her confidence/comfort, as she's new to the sport.
I don't think it'll hinder the look either.

+1 brewster.

The newer rides I've been taking for test rides, my smallish hands don't find the ergo bar levers that ergo for me. :(

Pro brand PLT bars:

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w84/trs_album/Xmas2007029.jpg

Interestingly Steve Hogg of Cycling News fame has done an article recently that basically says that he believes that traditional bend bars are much better for the majority of riders.

l run a pro plt stem
l think its a bit flexy but at the price it fares well
and for the weight the flex is fine
how do you find it

Never noticed any flex in mine and in fact was just thinking today about how solid it feels.
I am 6'3" and 85kg so would have thought that I would notice.
I know that my previous 3T Zepp stem was a noodle compared to this thing.
Also it is on a steel frame so perhaps that makes up for it a little??
Or perhaps your bars??

How is the ritchey classic
l have been looking at buying one for a while now
Some people say they are a bit on the flexy side
but l really like the classic shape bars they just feel more comfortable and they are great to sprint with

How is the ritchey classic
l have been looking at buying one for a while now
Some people say they are a bit on the flexy side
but l really like the classic shape bars they just feel more comfortable and they are great to sprint with

I don't find the Classic flexy at all, but take that with a small grain of salt. For most of my mediocre riding career I was on noodly 13 or 14 cm quill stems and bars. When I changed to threadless a few years ago, I was amazed (and still am) at the stiffness of that setup, regardless of make or model of bar and stem. Even my $12 Nashbar stem seems stiff to me. :D

FWIW, the bar drop is the fairly standard 135 mm, so the bar isn't as deep as it appears in the photo. The very thin, unpadded cloth tape doesn't visually reduce the radius like thicker, padded tape would.

thanks for the advice

Has anyone used the Thor Hushovd signature PRO VS Round bars? They seem to have a different style bend than the classic.