Classic & Vintage - What are these bars? I want a real name.

What are these bars called?
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.e017b3e050.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.b4289825b0.jpg

What are these bars called?
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.e017b3e050.jpg
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.b4289825b0.jpg

"North-Road". Unquestionably the most comfortable upright handlebar ever concieved, and my only bar of choice for upright-bar machines (flat bars belong on MTBs that are used offroad, and nowhere else, thank you!)

-Kurt

One of the most comfortable, versatile bars out there. I love the steel Nitto Northroad version.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/seely/Nishiki/Nishiki-International-028.jpg

I was thinking about using these bars on my touring bike. I have 3 sets, if anyone else wants a set. How all canyou set them up, you say versitile, does that mean it has many hand positions that work well?

Hi David,
We've been e-mailing back and forth. The versatility question is one best directed at drops or certain other types in my opinion. North Road bars are, like Cudak888 says, extremely comfortable just the way they are. I alluded to this in my last e-mail to you. The thing about this type of arrangement is this: If you dial-in the saddle height (using the proper model saddle)with the grip height and angle, you get the benefit of avoiding the 'happy hands' thing that afflicts so many riders using other types. With drop bars, you need multiple positions because none of them is completely natural for very long. With North Roads, you may find that you're in the sweet spot from the get-go.

Go ahead and try them on a touring bike. The pics I sent you show my Trek520 with those installed. Also that MTB. Note that the grips are just a tad higher than the saddle. Start there. Tilt the saddle up and move it forward until you have minimal pressure on your hands but no so far that you get uncomfortable on the saddle. My rule of thumb is: Spine aligned with seat stays when using North Roads.

I've done several centuries on both bikes with this set-up with no problems except some headwind on occasion. If you absolutely must have maximum aero efficiency, these ain't for you. Remember that you create your own headwind over 13mph, so you won't be as zippy in most cases as the guys on the race bikes. These are utilitarian, all purpose handlebars, and are by far the most ergo-correct there is.

Set them up with ordinary MTB brake levers. You can use thumb shifters or bar-ends off the tour bike. The grip sleeves will secure the shifter cables with the bar-ends. Your stem clamp will need to accept the 25.4mm clamp area of the bars.

Seely: those are very pretty but they don't look like NorthRoads. Are they Albatross upside down? Nice bike.

These are North Roads upside down for comparison:
http://i11.tinypic.com/2qd0ps5.jpg
http://i14.tinypic.com/42xpffs.jpg

"North-Road". Unquestionably the most comfortable upright handlebar ever concieved, and my only bar of choice for upright-bar machines (flat bars belong on MTBs that are used offroad, and nowhere else, thank you!)-KurtI beg to differ. I've North Roads on the majority of my bikes. In fact NRs are perfect on recumbents. But on 3 bikes I care more about long distance comfort than the classic look. Here's my "day long ride" setup.

http://www.bikesmithdesign.com/MyBikes/Raleigh/sport-bars.jpg

JCM: The bars on your grey bike are what I think of when I hear "North Road bend". But I've seen bars with everything from 30 degree to 70 degree bends and anywhere from 1" to 4" rise sold as "North Road". Seely's bars certainly look like Nitto NRs to me.

Where can I get some steel Northroads?

Yea, I am planning on throwing those on today, I have stem shifter so all I have to do is pop the brake cable on the new bars. Is wald like an old TD One? Maker of old low end parts? Never heard of them before these bars.

Where can I get some steel Northroads?

Harris Cyclery has Nitto Northroad bars for $30.

I have 3 or 4 sets, I need one. If anyone wants to trade. They are all New Old Stock bars from the early 70's I am pretty sure.
I need a good set of bar end shifters or a set of candy c pedals.

Do you think a good set of aero bars would be a good idea?

Harris Cyclery has Nitto Northroad bars for $30.

Harris sells Nitto aluminum Northroads. Bar end shifters won't fit. You can only put Bar end shifters on 7/8" diameter bars if they're steel or heat treated aluminum. The wall thickness is too great on a standard 7/8" diameter aluminum bar. That's why I'm looking for steel.

I have steel ones Those should work. Right?

Seely: those are very pretty but they don't look like NorthRoads. Are they Albatross upside down? Nice bike.



Thanks, and ditto to your bikes, but believe it or not, they are actual Nitto Northroads, flipped and chopped a bit.

[QUOTE=MnHPVA Guy]I beg to differ. I've North Roads on the majority of my bikes. In fact NRs are perfect on recumbents. But on 3 bikes I care more about long distance comfort than the classic look. Here's my "day long ride" setup.

http://www.bikesmithdesign.com/MyBikes/Raleigh/sport-bars.jpg

Can you tell me where I can get brake levers like that?

Thanks, and ditto to your bikes, but believe it or not, they are actual Nitto Northroads, flipped and chopped a bit.

are you sure? The REALLY look like moustache (sp?) bars.

Seely: those are very pretty but they don't look like NorthRoads. Are they Albatross upside down?
I think jcm is correct there. Those bars don't have as much rise or reach as North Road bars.



These are North Roads upside down for comparison
I don't think so...those look like MTB "riser" bars upside down.

North Road bars have the grip region more swept back. The bars in the photos appear to have the grips at about a 45 degree angle to the top tube, though it's tough to tell from the angle the photo was made from. They also appear to have less reach than true North Road bars.

Most English made 3-speeds that were sold in the U.S. have North Road bars (Though in England, the straighter "all rounder" style is more common.)

See also: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_n-o.html#northroad

Sheldon "North Road" Brown

+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Weed - a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. |
| --R.W. Emerson |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Where can I get some steel Northroads?

Bike Parts USA has steel Northroads. Both Wald #8095 and also a Pyramid brand. They also are one of the few places that I found to carry Kenda 1 3/8 S-6 Schwinn style tires in a gumwall.

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/product_info.asp?f_c=handlebar&cp=6&p=01%2D109944

Can you tell me where I can get brake levers like that?Nope. They're Delta Ergo levers which went out of production about 10 years ago. I bought 10 sets at close out. I'm down to 3 sets left and they aren't for sale.

Harris sells Nitto aluminum Northroads. Bar end shifters won't fit. You can only put Bar end shifters on 7/8" diameter bars if they're steel or heat treated aluminum. The wall thickness is too great on a standard 7/8" diameter aluminum bar. That's why I'm looking for steel.Do you have a drill press, capable of drilling 7/8" holes in 3/4" thich aluminum, and 3/4" & 7/8" drill bits? If so, I can tell you how to make a simple fixture that will allow you to reliably and accurately drill out the ends of the bars to fit bar end shifters.

are you sure? The REALLY look like moustache (sp?) bars.

Well, I ordered North Road bars from QBP, and got those bars in a sleeve with a sticker on it that said "Nitto North Road". This is interesting. I did chop them quite a bit, perhaps thats part of the issue? I suppose its possible QBP has their bars mislabeled?


This is the bar I have: http://www.webcyclery.com/product.php?productid=17648&cat=455&page=1

From another angle:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/seely/Nishiki/Nishiki-International-023.jpg

I begin to see it now, that is a very nice international BTW.

Do you have a drill press, capable of drilling 7/8" holes in 3/4" thich aluminum, and 3/4" & 7/8" drill bits? If so, I can tell you how to make a simple fixture that will allow you to reliably and accurately drill out the ends of the bars to fit bar end shifters.

I've got the drill press, but not the bits. I think they'd cost me more than the bars. Thanks anyway. I think I found some steel ones.

Wouldn't it be easier to modify the shifters?

Wouldn't it be easier to modify the shifters?I wouldn't know where to begin.

Took about 20 minutes to make the fixture and drill the 1st set of bars. I've done about 10 sets since and each takes about 10 minutes, including set-up time.

Well, I ordered North Road bars from QBP, and got those bars in a sleeve with a sticker on it that said "Nitto North Road". This is interesting. I did chop them quite a bit, perhaps thats part of the issue? I suppose its possible QBP has their bars mislabeled?


This is the bar I have: http://www.webcyclery.com/product.php?productid=17648&cat=455&page=1

From another angle:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/seely/Nishiki/Nishiki-International-023.jpg

Note the ones sold by harris as North Roads have a larger drop 85mm as opposed to the web cyclery bars which are 60mm:
http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?id=411

Are there variations of the North Roads?

Can you tell me where I can get brake levers like that?

Start looking for vintage stuff - I used to see brake levers very close to those back around 35 years ago on mixte frames. I seem to remember that they were Mafac, came in white plastic, and seemed to work rather well. I remember running them on one of my long haul baggers for a short while, but realized that I missed having the standard brake lever bases to wrap my thumb and index finger around.

Those were Mafac Guidonnet levers. They were plastic over a steel spine and in aluminum.
http://members.aol.com/SatoruMas/brands/mafac.html 3rd from the bottom in the left column and an alloy set in the row above.

Finally got them installed. Truck broke down and I got home, but had to get this bike working before I could get back out them to pick it up.
http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.8b95be2281.jpgThe barends look strange, but it adds a lot to the comfort on the bike. It is outstanding.

I wouldn't know where to begin.

Took about 20 minutes to make the fixture and drill the 1st set of bars. I've done about 10 sets since and each takes about 10 minutes, including set-up time.

I was thinking that the diameter of the shifter "plugs" could be reduced, but I took a good look at a set of Ultegras and there isn't enough material there. Your way is the only way to go with thick wall aluminum bars.

Has anyone ever used NR Bars with Aero Bars? I am thinking about getting some for the bike, but I dont know if they would even be worth the trouble. Any Ideas?

Are these also known as Mary bars or is there a slight difference between the two?

mary bars are spec. to on-one. prob even reg. trade mark.

I think jcm is correct there. Those bars don't have as much rise or reach as North Road bars.


I don't think so...those look like MTB "riser" bars upside down.

North Road bars have the grip region more swept back. The bars in the photos appear to have the grips at about a 45 degree angle to the top tube, though it's tough to tell from the angle the photo was made from. They also appear to have less reach than true North Road bars.

Most English made 3-speeds that were sold in the U.S. have North Road bars (Though in England, the straighter "all rounder" style is more common.)

See also: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_n-o.html#northroad

Sheldon "North Road" Brown

+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Weed - a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. |
| --R.W. Emerson |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+


Nah, they're definitely Wald #8095 North Road bars. Also called Touring bars :rolleyes: . Very long in the grip. And yes, the angle doesn't show well. These are 22" wide which I believe is about 2" wider than English 3-speed versions. I have my own computer (currently using my wife's) in the shop so I can't post a better shot with them right-side up.

I beg to differ. I've North Roads on the majority of my bikes. In fact NRs are perfect on recumbents. But on 3 bikes I care more about long distance comfort than the classic look. Here's my "day long ride" setup.

http://www.bikesmithdesign.com/MyBikes/Raleigh/sport-bars.jpg

JCM: The bars on your grey bike are what I think of when I hear "North Road bend". But I've seen bars with everything from 30 degree to 70 degree bends and anywhere from 1" to 4" rise sold as "North Road". Seely's bars certainly look like Nitto NRs to me.

I know what you mean. I generally agree that North Road defines a type of bar used on 3-speeds and Schwinn 5-speeds. If the general dimensions and shape get close to that design, it's NR to me. I would say that a grip angle of 70 degrees is a bit on the extreme end of the spectrum, though. That would be getting close to Albatross country.

North Road Bars from Wald, #8095 - steel, 22" wide, showing the straight section adjacent to the clamp area. Mary's lack the straight section which is handy for mounting lights, etc. They begin a forwrd bend directly out of the clamp. Wald and Nitto are the 'classic' NR configuration. Bar ends, thumbers and typical mtb levers work fine in the Wald. These pics are the same bikes shown earlier, but with the bars rightside-up. I roughly figure the sweep at about 40degrees and find them ergonomically perfect, length of ride notwithstanding.

1988 Trek 830
http://i11.tinypic.com/2r4sdae.jpg
http://i11.tinypic.com/4cjos48.jpg

1998 Trek 520
http://i1.tinypic.com/2rp4kqw.jpg
http://i1.tinypic.com/2rrtjr8.jpg

What handbrakes and bell do you have on your 520 and 830 respectively (beautiful bikes!)? Even massaging it in pshop I can't make out the name on the brakelevers

What handbrakes and bell do you have on your 520 and 830 respectively (beautiful bikes!)? Even massaging it in pshop I can't make out the name on the brakelevers

Thanks. The 520 has Avid SD-7 levers. The now dead (broken dropout) 830 had the original cheapo Shimano levers that came on it when I bought it back in '88. I've transferred them over to a '92 Trek 930 that also inherited all the other 830 components, including the Sakae Ovaltech chainrings that I love. I find the components are better quality than the Altus stuff that came on the 930. Here's a pic of that bike:
http://i12.tinypic.com/2mqov0i.jpg

Oh yeah, the bell. I can't remember what brand it is. I fished it out of the little bin on the LBS counter one day. I like it because it's small, very loud, and makes a double ting-ting sound, instead of the old cash register type. Extremely effective, yet inoffensive. It's now on the 520.

I'm bumping this old thread since its on the topic of North Road Bars.......

My question: Does anybody know of a cheap alternative to the Nitto North Road Bars (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HB409B05-Nitto+North+Road+Handlebar.aspx?sc=FRGL) that have the same shape and styling? I'm turning an older road bike into a cruiser for my girlfriend and those Nittos look perfect but expensive. The only other "north road" bars i found are made by Pyramid (http://www.amazon.com/Touring-North-Road-Handle-Alloy/dp/B0009AGY6K) but I can't tell from pictures whether they are shaped the same as Nittos.

Side note -- anyone know what size handlebar clamp is likely to be on the stem of a circa 1980 panasonic sport 1000 road bike?

The only other "north road" bars i found are made by Pyramid (http://www.amazon.com/Touring-North-Road-Handle-Alloy/dp/B0009AGY6K) but I can't tell from pictures whether they are shaped the same as Nittos.

Photo shown is a generic which is used for Wald NR's, in general. Don't go by it - it doesn't match anything that it represents, nor any bars presently on the market.

I'll say this though - I've never seen an alloy Pyramid-branded North Road. I don't doubt its existence, but I find it unusual that I haven't heard about one after this many years. I have seen Pyramid's steel examples though - quite nice, although a bit more American in styling then English. They look better on Columbias then Raleighs, for example.

On the subject, don't ever consider Wald's steel NR's for anything. As far as shape, they sweep back at a rather relaxed angle, giving them a very wide appearance - quite similar to Raleigh bars post-1974. That is not the problem though - the chrome job on them is deplorable, attracts rust to no end. When all is said and done, your bike looks akin to one of those P.O.S. Worksman Cycles after having been outside after a single rainstorm (not that I suggest outdoor storage, of course - this is theoretically speaking). Avoid.

Take care,

-Kurt

Does (or did) Nitto make a narrow version of this Northroad bar? Possibly a 'kids' sized one?

Danny

If you want narrower, take a look at the Soma Sparrow bars (http://somafab.com/barsparrow.html) or the much cheaper ($20) alternative to the Nitto is the Velo Orange Tourist bar (http://www.velo-orange.com/touristbar.html).

Neal

I'm bumping this old thread since its on the topic of North Road Bars.......

My question: Does anybody know of a cheap alternative to the Nitto North Road Bars (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HB409B05-Nitto+North+Road+Handlebar.aspx?sc=FRGL) that have the same shape and styling? I'm turning an older road bike into a cruiser for my girlfriend and those Nittos look perfect but expensive. The only other "north road" bars i found are made by Pyramid (http://www.amazon.com/Touring-North-Road-Handle-Alloy/dp/B0009AGY6K) but I can't tell from pictures whether they are shaped the same as Nittos.

Side note -- anyone know what size handlebar clamp is likely to be on the stem of a circa 1980 panasonic sport 1000 road bike?

Have you seen these?

http://www.velo-orange.com/touristbar.html

thanks for the quick responses! im going to either buy those velo orange version or hit my local bike co-op to see if i can find some off an old raleigh cruiser or something.

Does the VO Tourist Bar fit MTN shifters and brake levers?

I think Raleigh used an aluminum NR bar in the late '70's/early '80's.

I bought 2 of the Pyramid alloy north roads bars for a couple of bikes this past winter. If you would like, I can take some pictures of them to give you a better idea of the shape and bend. They are nice and light, compared to some of the steel versions I have experienced. That said, I am not sure about the actual shape. Oh, and there is no way that bar end shifters would ever fit these bars.



I'm bumping this old thread since its on the topic of North Road Bars.......

My question: Does anybody know of a cheap alternative to the Nitto North Road Bars (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HB409B05-Nitto+North+Road+Handlebar.aspx?sc=FRGL) that have the same shape and styling? I'm turning an older road bike into a cruiser for my girlfriend and those Nittos look perfect but expensive. The only other "north road" bars i found are made by Pyramid (http://www.amazon.com/Touring-North-Road-Handle-Alloy/dp/B0009AGY6K) but I can't tell from pictures whether they are shaped the same as Nittos.

Side note -- anyone know what size handlebar clamp is likely to be on the stem of a circa 1980 panasonic sport 1000 road bike?

Have you seen these?

http://www.velo-orange.com/touristbar.html



Those look more like the Nitto Albatross bar than the Nitto North Road bar.

Are there variations of the North Roads?

Soma (http://somafab.com/bars.html) has some:

Sparrow Bars
http://somafab.com/bar_sparrowbar_silv.jpg

Oxford Bars
http://somafab.com/soma_oxfordbar350.jpg

And here's another gratuitous shot of my wife's mixte with Nitto North Roads:
http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle/100013/100_0443/web.jpg
http://gallery.mac.com/bbattle/100013/100_0450/web.jpg


Psssst. coming soon: those same NR bars with a whole new look

Bbattle, that is probably the nicest mixte I've seen. Well done.