Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Should I mix and match?

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whitekimchee
08-27-10, 12:42 PM
I know it might just come down to preference. If I'm running an alloy stem (Nitto pearl) does it make sense to use it with cro-mo handlebars (in this case B123s)? Should I be using the B123A considering that it's aluminum? I know the cro-mo drops are heavier (which I don't mind) but they're also significantly cheaper. Is there any advantage aside from weight that the aluminum drops would have over the cromo drops? Any opinions would be appreciated.

TejanoTrackie
08-27-10, 01:47 PM
The CroMo drops may be somewhat stiffer / stronger than the aluminum drops. That's why some very strong sprinters sometimes prefer steel over aluminum although nowadays oversize aluminum and cf bars are the norm. Anyway, you can use steel bars in an aluminum stem, provided they fit w/o needing shims.
hairnet
08-27-10, 02:47 PM
The CroMo drops may be somewhat stiffer / stronger than the aluminum drops.

really? I havent seen any steel bars that are particularly stiff, but then again I haven't really messed around with any high end steel bars. I know my Soma steel drops are pretty noodly

TejanoTrackie
08-27-10, 03:15 PM
really? I havent seen any steel bars that are particularly stiff, but then again I haven't really messed around with any high end steel bars. I know my Soma steel drops are pretty noodly

It all depends on the gage (thickness) of the the steel tubing. Steel is approximately twice as stiff as aluminum for a given cross-sectional diameter and thickness. The Nitto B123 NJS track drop is pretty beefy, as is the aluminum B123AA version. Road bars are thinner gage and lighter. I've got B125AA on my track racer.

http://www.worldclasscycles.com/nitto_steel_hb.htm

http://www.worldclasscycles.com/nitto_alloy_track_handlebar.htm
whitekimchee
08-27-10, 04:17 PM
Thanks guys, yeah everything's gonna fit fine. I made sure of that. My only questions is are the steel drops gonna put more strain than the aluminum drops on my nitto pearl? I'm guessing the difference in material is not significant enough to do any damage.
TejanoTrackie
08-27-10, 04:56 PM
Thanks guys, yeah everything's gonna fit fine. I made sure of that. My only questions is are the steel drops gonna put more strain than the aluminum drops on my nitto pearl. I'm guessing the difference in material is not significant enough to do any damage.

None whatsoever.