RE: [CR]Steel v. Aluminum Handlebars & Stems

From: "David Beck" <db@h3odesign.com>
To: <passionateyouththing@yahoo.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <865742.52372.qm@web53305.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Subject: RE: [CR]Steel v. Aluminum Handlebars & Stems
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 07:09:53 -0600
In-Reply-To: <865742.52372.qm@web53305.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Thread-Index: Ack/hpXodfnV6t6rRja+n0hx2UVhbAAiCbIg

"Also, does anyone know anything about Ambrosio bars/stems. I know they made top of the line rims back in the day, but how were there other components?"

There is a wonderful write-up on the CR website about Ambrosio, http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Ambrosio.htm

Ambrosio also supplied team Frejus with aluminum bars and stems in the late 30s. Here are a couple of ads from then. http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/David_P_Beck/scans/Gazzetta4.jpg.html

http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/David_P_Beck/scans/Guerin_Campania3.j pg. html

Cino Cinelli resisted using aluminum for his products until 1960 but raced on aluminum in the 30s. Maybe he had his aluminum bars or stem failed while racing and turned him off to the material, I can only speculate.

Regards,

David Beck Crystal Lake, Illinois USA

-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Kirke Campbell Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 2:39 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Steel v. Aluminum Handlebars & Stems

I sent this out the other day with no replies. Maybe it didnt work? I am re ally interested getting some insight.

All this talk of steel cottered v. aluminum cotterless cranks made me start pondering stems and handlebars. I  think, based on catalogues I have seen, that Cinelli was making steel bars and stems up until the late 1970s. I know now that these steel stems are highly sought after, but how common was it to use a steel stem after the arrival of aluminum versions? Why equip a bike with aluminum rims and cranks, but a steel bar/stem combo? Was is it just tradition? Conventional wisdom? Please discuss. Who made the first aluminum stems/bars? When did the switch begin? What are the pros/cons of each?

Also, does anyone know anything about Ambrosio bars/stems. I know they made top of the line rims back in the day, but how were there other components?

--Kirke Campbell Houston, Tx

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