Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Stem and handlebar

Hey guys, I was wondering if you could give me some feedback on a good track stem and handlebar combo. I am going to be given some deda pista track drops. Would a 3T stem be a good pair with the handlebars. Or maybe a deda zero 100 pista stem. Has anyone used a deda zero 100 pista stem?*I would appreciate all the feedback on this topic.

Thanks!

Do you know what stem angle you need? The Deda Zero 100 comes only in -12 degrees, which is really aggressive.

Unless you have special needs (very strong prototypical track sprinter type), any quality road stem and handlebar will do just fine. Road bars are actually more popular than "Track" bars. For instance:

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6119/6366550217_c62cafd084_z.jpg

It's unwise to buy parts blindly. Stems come in various lengths and angles for a reason. If you don't know what length and angle you need, look to determine that first. Also, changing handlebars may affect the stem that you'd need to put your hands in the right place. For example, a really deep-drop handlebar may require a rise stem to keep you from going too low. Shallow bars may require a flat or negative stem.

To answer your question, 3T makes some great stems. I would venture to guess that unless your head tube is really long, combining Deda Pista bars with Deda Zero 100 Pista stem will be a very, very low setup and may not be functional at all.

Thomson ... the end!

combining Deda Pista bars with Deda Zero 100 Pista stem will be a very, very low setup and may not be functional at all.

the Jamis Sonik ships with this setup, it took a lot of getting used to & is still pretty uncomfortable. I'm more of an endurance guy. I want to swap them out

What where you planning on switching it too? If you don't mind I ask.

I am still debating whether to get the 3T Stem with some 3T Ergonova Road Drops. What do you think? What is your setup like? I am new to this and going to compete in my first races this coming January.

Thomson X2 or Elite X4? I've seen many people with the X2 and a few with the X4.

If you're an underfed enduro / marginally reformed roadie like me, then the X2 is fine. If you're a 250 pound sprinter who puts out 2000 watts from a standing start, then maybe look to the X4.

In terms of bars, I've got Easton TKO endurance bars on all my bikes. Stiff, great profile for the tops, drops and 'hoods'.

What where you planning on switching it too? If you don't mind I ask.

Kinna want to try the 3T Sphinx if I can find a set cheap enough

Kinna want to try the 3T Sphinx if I can find a set cheap enough

Though these require a super short stem to meet UCI rules...

I have the Deda Pista drops and Deda Quattro stem on the Fuji and am happy with them, so have another set on the way for my Planet X build.

On 3t's site they say you need a slightly shorter stem. But at least hear in the states the UCI doesnt mean anything, up to meaning very little.

On 3t's site they say you need a slightly shorter stem. But at least hear in the states the UCI doesnt mean anything, up to meaning very little.

I'm Canadian, my license is UCI. Though nobody really cares because I don't race with the pros. Out of curiosity though, what UCI rule is relevant here (ie, how would I make sure my bike is legal)

I'm Canadian, my license is UCI. Though nobody really cares because I don't race with the pros. Out of curiosity though, what UCI rule is relevant here (ie, how would I make sure my bike is legal)

You are lucky Kayce. Here in Australia racing Masters at States or Nationals the commissaires will place the bike in the jig to test set up, weigh the bike and use calipers to test that seat posts and base bars come within the 3:1 aspect ratio rule...

@BrainInAJar - Specific rule is how far forward the front of the handlebars are in relation to the front axle.

From http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=34033&LangId=1

1.3.022

d) Structure
In competitions other than those covered by article 1.3.023, only the traditional type of handlebars (see diagram «structure 1») may be used. The handlebars must be positioned in an area defined as follows: above, by the horizontal plane of the point of support of the saddle (B); below, by the horizontal line passing through the highest point of the two wheels (these being of equal diameter) (C); at the rear by the axis of the steerer tube (D) and at the front by a vertical line passing through the front wheel spindle with a 5 cm tolerance (see diagram «Structure (1A)»). The distance referred to in point (A) is not applicable to the bicycle of a rider who takes part in a sprint, keirin or team sprint, but must not exceed 10 cm in relation to the vertical line passing through the front wheel spindle.

Last bike I set up had some Cinelli 64-40s on it. Shallow drop, wrist clearance, bueno. All I had to do was file a chamfer in the clamp area of the Ritchey stem I was running to get it around the bigger dia clamp area. Hard to describe, easy to do.

I'm actively looking for a next bike now that I know there's a track worth going to. Probably gonna end up on a Van Dessel with another Russ Denny frame running a close second.

M