Track Cycling - the testicle drop

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erikinop
08-10-06, 11:45 AM
i got the nitto 021 bullhorn handle bar as part of my fixed conversion project and now i'm looking into the nitto dynamic stem. it's a 72 degree angle and available in up to 130mm length. is the angle sufficient for the bull horns? i know it depends on riding style... i ride mostly urban and some suburban. i'm 6ft, 164lbs. i'm currently using a 120mm reach and it feels like it could be longer. the bars are great and aggressive. sometimes my hands cramp up, but i'm still getting used to the bars and i don't use padded tape.

here's a visual reference:

Nitto Dynamic Stem, cold forged, 72degree angle, 130mm length, 300g

my bars:

Nitto 021 Bullhorn, alloy, 42cm width, 315g

i also looked at this stem, because it's got the removable faceplate. but it's only available in 115mm length. any suggestions?

ITM 800 Open Road Quill Stem forged, 73 degree angle(-17 rise), 320g, 115mm MAX extension

or this one, but the aesthetics of it bother me:

Zoom Oval Road Stem, aluminum, 130mm max extension, 280g, removable face plate

team neal
08-10-06, 01:13 PM
you'll get a better response in the singlespeed and fixed area. this is track....
fixedpip
08-11-06, 03:43 AM
You generally don't need much drop for bullhorns as they often have a section that drops below the stem. Pretty much any road stem with some drop will work for you.

If you need a stem >120mm you may want to find a bigger frame. You may find a long quill stem and bullhorns to be too flexy. But a lot depends on the stem, bullhorns and rider, and it sounds like you're not having too much trouble with your current set-up.

Where are you located? If you're in the US, universalcycles.com, carries the Nitto stems in 130 (as do others) and seen them in a few shops such as Freewheel, SF.