That seems to be true about the Nitto North Road. I was thinking of asking if anyone knows which one is the "real North Road". I'd like steel (like my LHT). And then there are some comments I've read...... "grips are almost parallel to the frame". That's not how they appear in some pics, yet in others they do.
North Road grips are not even close to parallel to the frame. Lots of turning room.
The original North road bars were found on many old school 3-speeds. Typically, the Sport models, not the larger, heavier Raliegh DL-1, which is what you might see in one of those "Masterpiece Theatre" Hercule Poirot shows. The vast majority of 3-speeds imported to the US were the less expensive Sport.
The original bars were 19" wide. If you want a steel version that is 21" wide, I recommend the Wald #8095. They call it a touring bar - I don't know why. The wider bars will greatly increase the quality of the handling. They also have a model that is a copy of the All-Rounder (Mary), also in steel. I think it's #815. Wald is located in Kentucky, and has always been the supplier for just about every factory bicycle in America for over 70 years (like Worksman Cycles). Everything is US made, I believe.
The Wald North Road will set you back a mere $16.95 I think. Not a bad risk at that price. You can Google them up.