Originally Posted by Russ
I purchased a pair of so called "north roads style touring bars" off ebay. They look alot like the photos of the Wald bar, but the package was labeled "Pyramid". Here's
link to the ebay listing. About 21" across the ends, and stamped with the letters, "W.H", and "Taiwan". Anybody have insight on whether these are the same as any of the other various North Roads bars (i.e., all made in the same Taiwanese factory)?
Edit: I've got a pair of Ergon grips on order, once they arrive I'll replace my Nashbar trekking bar with the NorthRoads/Ergon setup to see if it relieves my numb fingers a bit.
The Wald bars are stamped
Wald with
8095 next to it and are 23" wide. Other than the width you mention, the rise and diameter are the same, I believe. They are made in Kentucky at their plant, along with an amazing variety of other bike parts.
The term North Road supposedly comes from the old London bike club out on North Road. The 3-speed bars, also found on 5-speed Schwinns, are widely considered the model for the type. Small variations may be found, but I think you got a good example of the shape.