So I'm looking to switch out an '84 3ttt road handlebar (37 or 38 cm - not sure) with something significantly bigger (say a 42 or 44 cm). First, was there ever a vintage handlebar that came in those more modern widths? Second, what modern handlebar (I hope I don't have to do this option!) looks similar to the old skool and yet comes in the larger widths? The 3ttt has a beautiful sloping top portion but I feel like I'm doing diamond pushups when riding! I assume this is a common problem - how does one accomodate the modern inventions about handlebar comfort etc and still keep the vintage vibe? (if I had to choose one, right now I've got to find a handlebar that fits). THanks!

There are handlbars from the days of yore that are appropriate widths for more modern positioning - you just have to hunt for 'em. The standard in the 70's and even in the 80's was 38-40. The theory was that the narrower profile offered a smaller profile and less wind resistance, and less chance of hooking your competitors in the bunch. I just always felt amazingly compressed. Modolo introduced the modern 8 bend ergo bars in the middle 80's. You can still find this pattern in new bars today (or an original). Those would work with you stem. If its more of a Maes bend (traditional, with 4 bends and flat tops) a Cinelli Top Ergo 66 from the 90's looks spot on for older bikes, and doesn't use the cinelli-specific 26.4 clamping area. Or watch eBay, find a 3t vintage bar in an appropriate width, and expect to duke it out. You aren't the only one who wants a wider vintage bar...

Luker is smart. And there's a reason bars come in different widths: a little wider seems helpful for a lot of folks climbing, yet narrower bars are good in crits. Essentially, a bar's width should be the same as the span between your rotator cuffs. Which doesn't make sense when good climbers tend to be a little smaller. But that's why we have different bikes for different occasions!