Harlequin wraps often look like crap, but yours are really nice. How's about another pic or two?

Sure. Took some work to not make it look like crap, especially going down the drops, but I was pretty happy with the results.

[QUOTE=cuda2k;13852896]Ok, for those who have the B135 handy, what's the approx width at the hoods? Looking for something at around 42cm at the hoods to put on my A-Frame. (forgive the zombie thread, figured I'd ask here rather than start a new thread... if you dont like it, you can always complain to the admin... oh wait. )[/QUOTE

Nitto 135, 45's ; 38.5 at the Hoods.

-D


Raleigh Competition by djk762, on Flickr

I think you are confusing the "GB" stamped in your vintage bars. The old GB components stood for Gerry Burgess. They were made in England. The Grand Bois bars are from a completely different company.

I am, in fact. Thanks for the clarification.

Thanks for the measurements. I'll probably go with some Noodles or something that can be had in 42 @ the hoods.

I have some VO Grand Cru Rando bars on my Voyageur. I'll measure them tonight. I have the 46mm version. They're available in 42, 44, 46 and 48cm versions. I'll bet the 48cm version will get you close to 42cm at the hoods if you're wanting to use a randonneur bend bar. I've grown to really like them.

I think the VO bar shape is closer to the Nitto B132a than the B135, though the ends sweep back further than the B132a.


B135 45cm



B132a 44cm





B177 44cm

It's startling how much difference a very subtle--well, difference-- can make. I have grown very attached to my original GB rando bars. The Sakae Randnner bars are *almost* the same but different enough that I find them on the wrong side of comfortable. I think what I've grown to like is considerable upsweep, quite a short reach to the bend, and widely splayed, longer drop. Dirt Drops don't do it for me, though, as the splay is at an angle. I'm going to try the V-O bars at some point, and would consider the Grand Bois bars if I can get 'em on sale.

Oh, one more thing. If you need a little more length on the drops, remember that bar-ends add about another inch.

I got the 135 and 177 not to figure which on the mercian

ColonelJLloyd, thanks for the tip. Sounds like that may be a good option. That'll also put the bar-end shifters way out of reach for my knees to accidentally hit.

Do the Nittos still have that pidgin French spelling "Raundoneur" engraved on them? Embarrassing!

And could someone explain what the big attraction of Randonneur bend is? The bars I seem to like the best don't have flats sloping up, but down, more like track bars (Cinelli Criterium or Nitto B155 which seems to be pretty rare). I try to imagine having my wrists rotated inward of horizontal, and it seems like it would be painful. I did have a Nitto Noodle bar, and really didn't like it because the corners between flat and ramp were sharper than normal -- I guess I just like a gradual bend downward to the hoods, rather than all kinds of bend gymnastics to provide defined handhold locations. I use the whole length of bar between ferrule and hood, and don't want any corners.

Doesn't the width at the hoods vary depending on the width of the bar?

Of course.

No. It's spelled "randonneur" on the Nitto bars. I think you're thinking of some older Sakae Ringyo bars.

I recently bought the VO Rando bars in 48cm. Looks like the hoods will be around 42.5cm apart.

When I Google "raundoneur" all the hits that result are for Nitto, Nitto B135, etc. If you've got one where it's spelled randonneur, then I guess they finally corrected that.

Yeah, you're correct, Charles. I just confirmed that it is spelled "Raundoner" on my B132a.

I wonder what the deal is with that. Sakae misspelled "Randonneur" on their rando bars also.

imagine having an accent and trying to pronounce a word you have never hear out loud...LOL

The Sakae Alloy bars on my 79 LeTour IV spells it out RANDNNER, measures out to 34.5 CM at the hoods, 37.5 at the drops with about 14 cm total drop at the bars.

Hey there, Colonel. Could I get your take on the reach of the VO Rando bars? I was reading reviews and folks were mentioning that the reach (listed as 120mm) felt pretty long. To the point that some were changing to shorter stems. Do you feel like they stretch you out relative to other Nitto bars on the same stem length? Thoughts from others who ride these bars? Thanks!

I just bought some GB Randos, so I'll post a review. I also have Nitto 132, but they don't sweep up much. I was disappointed in comparison to some generic older French bars I have.

Yes, they have a longer reach than the B132a bar I'm using on another bike. It's not a drastic difference, but, if you want to achieve the same reach you'll want to use a shorter stem. Maybe a centimeter or two shorter stem should do it.

Reviving an old thread to add some information for future reference. I found this on Nitto's web site. It appears the main difference is a slight difference in the reach and drop of the bars. The B132 has less drop and more reach than the B135. The 135 is also available in one more choice of width.

Sorry to bump a thread but I'm thinking of getting the Nitto 135 and was wondering if anyone has measured the reach and if they have is it, in fact, 105 mm?
Thanks!

yes, 105mm

Thank you!