I recently posted a question about solutions to using the slotted cleat system in our modern era and the problem of obtaining appropriate shoes (by the way I discovered that Detto has in fact re-introduced their old shoe).

Another problematic area is the lack of reasonably wide handlebars. As far as I know the Raleigh Mk IV (my project bike) came equipped with GB bars exclusively. I have never seen a GB bar with a width other than 39 cm.

Let’s say we transport ourselves back in time to the year our bicycle was produced, 1973 in my case. Let’s also stipulate that any substitutions in equipment requested of the bike shop at the time of purchase (or shortly thereafter) would be valid in so far as maintaining a period correct bike. (I’ll add an historic note here. My father bought the Pro. new in ’73 and substituted Dura-Ace brakes for the Campy in order to save money. He also substituted randonneur bars for GB’s and just a bit later replaced the sew-up rims with clincher rims. I have returned the bike to its original configuration in my restoration.)

So, what would be my choices in a wider bar? I do not know what specific widths were available in say a Cinelli or 3t but it is my understanding that, in the case of the Cinelli Giro de Italia, bars in the range of 44’s were not available prior to ’78 or so.

Here are my thoughts based on what I currently know. As long as I am riding the Raleigh I will use a newer, wider handlebar because it seems silly to compromise comfort for the sake of technicalities. As far as shoes go, I am still up in the air. I am having my ancient cleats repaired but the cost of Alfredo Binda straps and high-end toe clips is so high I may resort to the Dura-Ace pedals I use on my ’04 Lemond (Tete-de-Course).