[CR]English flat (and other) handlebars; Dursley-Pedersens

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2004 11:30:06 -0500
From: "Russ Fitzgerald" <velocio@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]English flat (and other) handlebars; Dursley-Pedersens

From F.J. Camm's Every Cyclist's Handbook (George Newnes Limited, 1936) -

"In view of the dozens of different patterns of handlebars to be seen in modern catalogues, it would appear that there must be a very wide range to be covered by the user of a cycle, but an analysis reveals that there are actually only one or two points of importance, and that the majority of types are simply modifications of standard patterns in which some particular whim has been satisfied or a change in angle introduced in order to provide the user with some advantages of more than one type without the necessity of purchasing two separate bars ... A more comfortable position may be taken up by the rider if the ends of the grips are played outwards slightly and this arrangement is incorporated in such patterns as the Anelay, Middleton Flat and Middleton All-Rounder. Some of the popular shapes among keen club riders include the Southall, Shallow Highgate, and the Lauterwasser, which are very similar in general design, but vary in the depth of the drop and the amount of forward extension ... In the Southall pattern the bends have a drop of 6 3/4 in. and a forward throw of 5 in., whilst in the Shallow Highgate the drop is 5 3/4 in. and measure 7 1/2 in. from the handlebar stem to the most forward part of the curve. The drop is much more moderate in the case of the Lauterwasser pattern, measuring actually only 3 1/2 in. and the forward throw is 6 in. The upper portion of these bars may be employed as an alternative position for the hands, and for this reason these patterns are favoured by many riders in preference to the Full Highgate, Sibbit and similar shapes, although many racing riders prefer this type of bar in view of the depth of the curve ... The Triumph is practically identical with the Shallow Highgate, with the exception that the length of the grip is slightly less."

The accompanying illustration shows (or is that, shews?) Marsh, Comfort, North Road, Middleton, Marsh Level Grip, Flat and Lauterwasser bars.

As far as Dursley-Pedersens and PBP - it seems to me that someone DID ride that event on a DP within the last two or three cycles of it. I seem to recall seeing a photo on someone's website pointing it out, but I am too lazy to go googling for it after typing the extensive quote!

regards,
Russ Fitzgerald
Greenwood, SC