Reverence: 3T Rotundo Pro
Mimic those who are better than you; this is the underlying principle of nearly everything I do in life, whether in my work, in sport, or hobbies. The less I know about something, the more inclined I am towards this, and the more faithfully I mimic. As my skill and knowledge develope, I mime less and reason more, applying my own mistakes as well as those of others to the process we commonly refere to as becoming ‘experienced’. This process continues until I grow into an opinionated sponge; while I continue to mop up any and every piece of information and advice I can get my hands on, I follow the path that is influenced still by advice, but dictated largely by the unique journey that lays behind me and the lessons I’ve learned along it. But still the underlying premise remains: The Pros must be onto something.
So it was that I became obsessed with classic-bend bars; Gilbert, Hushovd, Basso, Potato, Cadelephant, the Brothers Grimpeur – many of my favorite riders cruised into my heart aboard classic-bend bars. Not to mention the likes of Coppi, De Vlaeminck, Merckx, and Maertens – none of whom had a choice but rode them nevertheless. Over time, the swooping curve of a classic, round drop has found its place alongside the Quick Release, Delta Brake, and Record Hub as some of the Most Beautiful Bits of Kit.
I love the way the bars sweep up from the drops and position the hoods at an elegant, upward pitch as the bar continues it’s journey upward to meet the stem. Each classic-bend bar does this, yet the particular sweep of the 3T Rotundo does it more elegantly than any other; the exact radius of its bend and the pitch of its rise is perfection. I have another set of classic 3T bars which predate the Rotundo whose radius of the bend is within a millimeter of that of the Rotundo and yet the aesthetics are not it’s equal. Like all things of sublime beauty, there is something intangible about its curve that sets it appart from others.
But aesthetics are only skin deep, and the real measure of the bar is how comfortable it is. Since getting ahold of my first Rotundo, I’ve moved to classic bend bars on all my machines. I was apprehensive about the move from an ergo bend, which I’d always ridden, to the round bend of the Rotundos. Whereas I had always assumed that a flat section of bar would be more comfortable to grab hold of, this turns out not to be the case. Evidently, my hand is not straight and is in fact quite good at bending and forming to various shapes. Riding in the drops, wrists pointed inwards towards the V-Locus, my fingers grip the curved surface of the drops perfectly. The classic bend also reduces the reach from the drop to the brake lever, which means that long descents with frequent use of the brakes are also much more comfortable.
The positioning of the hoods is a slightly different matter and depends somewhat on the groupo. Bikes Number 1 and 2 both wear 10 speed Campa Record, while Bike Number 3 wears Dura-Ace 7700. The design of the Campa hoods resemble the Power Triangles of Merckx, while the design of the Shimano hoods more closely resemble pegs. The transition from the bar to the hoods on my Campa bikes is smooth like Keith Stone, allowing you to choose multiple positions along where bar meets hood. The design of the Shimano levers, on the other hand, cause them to stand up from the bar more abruptly, meaning that there are fewer comfortable positions available. It’s not really a significant issue, but it does provide less positions which can play a factor on longer rides.
As an aside, the matching 3T ARX stem meets nearly every expectation one can have of a stem; it’s light, stiff and simple. My only complaint is that it is only available in a 6 or 17 degree version; those of us who pay careful attention to how low or how high our bars are find that these two combinations don’t provide enough flexibility to dial in the position; I’m running the bars on Bike Number 3 and am stuck riding my bars about 5mm higher than on my other bikes. To be fair, this is not a shortcoming of the ARX stem in particular; very few manufacturers offer choices outside 6 or 17 degrees. However, for perfect positioning, 3T and others should add an 8 or 10 degree stem to the mix.
Is this set up on the Biachi?
With regards to stems and achieving the position of V-Locus perfection what are peoples experiences with adjustable stems such as the Ritchety. It offers movement of upto 45 degrees and allows the hoods to be raised considerably.
Of course it may well end up in rule violation by upsetting the natural beauty and lines of the bike and Merckx forbid possible encroachment of the bar and the seat height as in Rule #44 and violation of Rule #46 by the bars not being level and therefore render all discussion of these stems finished here.
Great, I’ve never thought to the handlebar in such articulate way.
Lately my point when choosing the combo stem/bar, is to obtain a correct position (for me)
considering also the fact, that I don’t like any spacers between the head tube and the stem.
Then the Deda Supernatural was just perfect, since the bend was less deep than usual, now the Zero100 is even better for me.
I’m really digging te bend on the bars from my new bike. Bike #2 has ergo bars which I can’t stand the look of.
Would love to try these bars. Have Deda Newton shallow with a classic bend on #1, Deda Zero 100s on #2, and some Cinelli classic classic bend bars on my Tommasini.
My first road bike had anatomic bars; the switch to round bars + the new Campa shifters changed my world. I never knew I could reach my levers from the drops.
@huffalotpuffalot
MY EYES!!!!!! MY EYES!!!!!!
Franky baby, I’ll be sure to get some classic bend bar porn for you at Interbike this week. I’m running some lovely Oval Concepts classic bend carbon bars (sadly discontinued), and will vouch for classic bend bars absolutely.
@huffalotpuffalot
Absolute fucking heresy.
Adjustable stems do not belong in the same universe.
If you must, use them to establish a conferrable position, in your basement, at night, with the lights off, but for christs sake work it out and put a proper stem on there before you introduce your bike to the neighbors.
Bloody spell check.
Conferrable = comfortable.
Why anybody ever thought ergo bars were ergo is beyond me. Classic bends are the choice of the Velominatus for function and form, hands down.
I’m new to cycling and never thought of handle bars in this way. hmmm I’ll have to take another look at my bike!
@huffalotpuffalot, @sgt, @mouse
Not exactly true, though you’re right in spirit. The Look Ergostem has been used to some pretty fucking glorious effect, not least aboard one of Obree’s bikes. But – and this point is to be taken carefully – that is OBREE. Not just anyone. I am certain his arch enemy, Boardman, also used one, but I am not able to find the picture. Also LeMond, equally unable to find evidence.
@RedRanger
Not exactly sure what you mean, but yes and no. The Rotundo/ARX/Shimano setup is on the Bianchi XLEV2. The less sexy 3T classic bar that predates the Rotundo is on the Bianchi TSX. I have two Bianchis, which means I love it when I can act like that type of question confuses me.
@Marko
Welcome back, mate.
@Ron
Does the Newton come in a classic bend?
@sgt
Oval had some interesting stuff out there. On of the interesting points the founder made was that he asserted the 26.0 mm clamp diameter made for a stiffer bar than did the (now-common) 31.7mm. They also had that cool double-blad fork.
There was a lot of evidence that this was actually a much faster fork design than was the standard bladed fork, but somehow it didn’t really take on. Strange how that kind of innovation falls by the wayside.
@Pedale.Forchetta, @Ron
Deda has historically been one of my favorite brands. The VMH rides a magnesium Deda Mag00 stem on one of her bikes, but that’s the only Deda component we have left in the household, strangely. I love that they are still doing the 8 degree thing with the stem, and if I need to buy another stem, it will be the Deda 100; just think that’s the bee’s knees as far as looks goes, and I find the 8/10 degree stems to be much, much prettier than the 6 or 17’s.
@DeltaMngo
Welcome. I recommend you take another look at your bike any time you get the chance. In fact, I’m going to head into the basement and take another look at mine as well!
I tried a set of these after your last article on them and I friggin love them. They are the handlebar equivalent of a fine Italian suit: They will make you look great and feel great.
Also I need to swap out to a 3T stem. The cutout logo against the white clamping surface is a great touch.
@frank @Pedale.Forchetta @Ron
I have a set of Deda Newton bars waiting in the wings, but I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger on the matching stem””do they have a plain black model? So much garish white (which doesn’t feature anywhere else on the bike) on those stems (as sweet the 8 degrees are). (Of course, this becomes the working rationale that I need another bike: I already have the bars””and need something that will accommodate more white in the color scheme…)
Ooooooo! Classic bends;
Can’t let go of CINELLI 66-44 Campione Del Mondo’s since 1996!
Before that Cinelli 64-42 Giro D Italia’s!
And whilst talking about ergonomics, Franks observations about Campag levers as opposed to Shimano, I tend to agree.
I’ve always hated Shimano because I’ve found the ergonomics all wrong. I always used to ride the Belgian method and loved the way Campag (and later the Dia Compe BRS levers) came to hand.
I always found Shimano too large to get my hand around, and could never forgive them for the poor aesthetic solution of the cables coming out the side of the lever. That placement also interfered with my hand placement for out of the saddle efforts whilst on the levers.
At least Campag understood that the look was equally important to the function and so released a solution to market that both worked well AND looked good.
Of course I may just be talking out of my arse, it’s one of my core skills.
This is really a sort of hipster nonsense. We saw the same thing with fixie kids installing track drops and then riding on the crossbar. Use the bar that fits you best, and that you are most comfortable with. Ergo, trad, or whatever. Make sure that it is adjusted properly. Don’t use a bar that negatively affects your control, or causes you excessive discomfort.
@frank
I used to have a picture of a pursuit bike I rode with a Look ergostem. the drop from the top of the steerer to the base bar was about 10 cm. It may not be compliant but it still looked beautiful. It helps that the Look stem is nowhere near as hideous as that ritchey
@Riddle of Steel
Easy there fella.
To save you from a bollocking, permit me to explain;
Frank ain’t no hipster, and you’ll find that hipster’s a dirty word in these parts.
I suspect what he is saying is that he has found that there is something inherently correct about ‘classic bend’ bars as opposed to so called anatomic bend bars for the reasons he has clearly delineated in his article. That’s his opinion, and I’m inclined to agree.
The distinction of a hipster from a Velominatus is that the hipster adopts the simulacra (just for you Dr C) of cool for appearance sake whilst the Velominatus assesses componentry with clear understanding both of their function AND aesthetic qualities.
@huffalotpuffalot
No.
Just no.
@sthilzy 65-44s?
@Riddle of Steel
If you scanned frank’s article, it may seem like that, sure. But if you read it, you’d see he said it looks great and it works for him, comfort-wise.
He’s using “the bar that fits [him] best, and that [he] is most comfortable with… trad.” He isn’t using “a bar that negatively affects [his] control, or causes [him] [any] discomfort.”
Yeh?
@frank
Frank, if you look at a Ridley Noah, it will have very similar cut outs on the fork for the very reason that it reduces drag and thus saves effort. So it hasn’t fallen by the wayside.
@Xponti
Correct.
I recall reading somewhere that Ridley had bought the intellectual property from Oval Concepts and taken it into the development of their bikes. I think it was in relation to the development of Cuddles TT bike when he was still with Lotto.
I think that’s why you don’t see it as an aftermarket fork any longer.
“the Quick Release, Delta Brake, and Record Hub as some of the Most Beautiful Bits of Kit.” Fuck, fuckedy, fuck fuck. I had all that shit in pairs. I loved those hubs and delta brakes though. Simply works of art. To look at them, to spin the rear wheel off the bike in your hands. Good stuff right there. Sold the Campa kit after the DA 9 speed movement, and only have one lonely Record QR to show for it. Probably got $20 a piece average when I ‘unloaded’ it. Fuck.
@frank: the photo of ‘the power triangles of Merckx’ is I’m assuming from your garage (er, shop). The poster to the right in the background appears to have a climber (I think it’s either Cedar Wright or Dean Potter, doesn’t look like Tommy C). You get out on the stone dude? For all of ya that just pedal, and I know this is a cycling only site, putting your hand on the rock 120M off the deck, is pretty cool.
@scaler911
I hear ya brother.
I wince at all of the good stuff I practically gave away in my first retirement.
I had one of these with Super Record and Mavic Bullhorns that I practically gave to the local bike shop after I moved overseas in the early ’90’s.
(note, not my frame, but the paint was exactly the same. For the record, I would never have gone with that stem)
The one that hurts most though was my sweet pair of Mavic GL330 tubs on Super Record hubs. Those were so light and fast. I sold them for $120 in 1991. Who knew that I’d want them back 20 years later.
@mouse
Look at that thing, all bendy and grunge. Frame builders starting to experiment with bending metal more. It’s why we have sexy carbon now, but the steel is still my favorite. It’s not finding the perfect engineering and injecting space age resins and carbon (I do have a bike like that and it’s real nice), it’s old school smithing, and reverent.
@Steampunk
White, black and now even red, but always with flashy details.
No plain colors there…
@Steampunk
Just to be complete, here the link:
http://www.dedaelementi.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=159&lang=en
I’m just building up a new frame, which is being made for me in Wales by a little outfit called Paulus Quiros. This I know will be my last hand built, made to measure frame, so it’s bringing in years of being inspired by little touches on frames I admired, including beautifully drilled lugs, internal cables etc. With luck, it will eventually have a ’70’s style drilled chainring to complete the look, though it will be a modern Campag ring – I’m not that misty eyed!
Anyway, back to the handlebar point of the article. I’d already decided it would have a quill stem, and got hold of a nice Nitto Pearl 11 (worth checking out if your restoring something a bit old – close enough to a Cinelli 1a in looks), and then found a pair of NOS Cinelli 65-42’s in a shop in London – my all-time favourite bar!
Imagine my disappointment when I found that there is no way on Gods earth to make 9 speed carbon Ergo levers fit and look right, so sadly they’ve been replaced by a pair of 64-42’s, though in deference to the overall look I’m after, they will be covered with Benotto Blue angel tape.
PQ’s frames can be checked out at http://www.paulusquiros.co.uk Mine might be up in the next few weeks.
@frank
Did Boardman not lose his grip on the yellow jersey during the team time trial in the ’94 tour as a result of a loose adjustable stem? I think this is one area where we should mimic the pros and steer well clear!
@Marko
My timing, as usual, is spot on! I’ve just picked up a nice set of Easton EC70 bars of a distinctly ergo shape! Sounds like a good reason to get a second (road) bike to carry out some comparative testing!
Frank – your campag shifters are too far back on those bars. The levers should be angled (determined by imaginary line drawn from tip of lever just touching arc of bulge in middle of lever) somehwere between perpendicular to the earths surface (min) and head tube angle (max).
Nice negative rise on the stem. It appears you have a piece of newspaper bearing a photo of Landis on your wall.
Currently riding RO
@Nof Landrien
That’s a classic lever position for someone whose ‘bars are really a bit too low…I should know, I’ve done the same thing for exactly that reason and it feels perfect.
Ahem, sorry. To continue.
Currently on Rotundos (SRAM), Deda Zeros (SRAM) and Newtons (pre-2007 Campag) on the commuter. With the Zeros (and the Newtons), the tops run straight into the hoods, so there’s no difference in hand height when you ride on the hoods or the tops. Because on round bends you tend to position your shifters at somewhere between 2:00 and 3:00 o’clock on the bend (unless you are Frank), the tops are at a different height to the hoods (e.g., the Gypsy RogerV or his Merckxness, EduardoM). This works well on some bikes and for some people.
I find the Newton’s flat section in the drops is too short. You are either on the flat bit at the very end of the drops or on the straight section just below the shifters, its hard to be anywhere in between. The Rotundos give you lots of choice about just where to put your hands. The Zeros are kind of in between.
The ugliest bars have to be those Ricthey anatomics with the “pistol grip” in the hooks.
@Oli
Cinelli 65’s = Criterium – the bars where track meets road!
Try this site for shape comparisons
http://ruedatropical.com/2009/03/road-drop-bar-geometry/
Note the author …
“I’ve omitted anatomic bars as I’ve never found one that fits my anatomy, so apologies to fans of anatomic bars.”
Also note the levers used!
To correct myself Boardman didn’t attribute the loose stem to the result that day.
‘I am very disappointed to lose my yellow jersey, but I turned myself inside out,’ he said. ‘I gave 100 per cent. No one could have asked for more.
‘A lot of what happened had to do with the amount of work we did defending the jersey on Monday, and towards the end those little hills were a real problem. I was doing long turns as pace-maker just to give my team as much rest as possible. I wanted to keep them together.’
Footage of Boardman tightening his stem while time trialling and getting a helping push from a team-mate (LeMond?).
What on earth is going on with the tracksuit and sandals…
@sthilzy
Ah, Criteriums. Loved em.
Posted it before, but here it was *snif*
The best thing was the bend between the top curve of the drop where it met the top of the hood. Perfect spot for the heel of the palm to rest.
@mouse
There’s something decidedly pro about V-meter wire evenly wrapped around a front brake cable. Tommy V was sporting the look during this years tdf.
@Steampunk
This is a central concept in my life, I call it “Establishing a Need”. For example, I bought a DVD of The Matrix before I owned a DVD Player. But it’s a shame to let that $15 go to waste, so that established a need for a DVD player. It’s beautiful.
@Chris
I too have the Easton ergo-shaped bars that came with Bike #1 when I got it. They lasted all of about 3 rides before I swapped out the FSA Wing Pro Compacts from Bike #2. The ergo shape was just completely uncomfortable and effectively made be a Belgian Style specialist. I prefer the look of the classic bend bar, but find the compact drop fit more seamlessly with my distinct lack of flexibility.
@Nof Landrien
There’s a lot of distortion in the shot because of the fish-eye lens on my iPhone, in addition to the phone not having been held level. Here’s a picture of the bike as ridden (also with the 10° stem, having abandoned the 17° stem in the photo). It was chosen purely to show the shape of the Ergos versus the STI’s.
Indeed, it’s L’Equipe’s cover story from his La Chevauchée Fantastique on Stage 17. Despite the trouble, that remains one of my favorite days of bike racing. We were there; had just come back from riding in the Alpes the day before, so hadn’t heard that he’d lost the lead. As the stage unfolded we slowly deciphered what had happend and what was going on…it was magical.
@scaler911
Never very seriously, but yeah. My brother is a very serious climber and as such I’ve been involved in it off and on; I’ve done it enough to have climbing shoes, harness, chalkbag, etc, but I suck completely. Last time I climbed, it was bouldering at The Circuit in Portland.
@VeloVita
You were supposed to say something along the lines of that’s an awesome bar, you’ll love it.
I suppose I hadn’t really appreciated the difference between compact bars and ergo bars in that the ergo bars straighten out completely in the middle of the hooks. I spend most of my time in the drops in that area so it might work for me. It’s just annoying that if I’m wrong I’ll be wasting a roll or two of tape.
I was going to go for new cables anyway, the cut of the current set is all wrong, the barrel adjusters rub against the stem and I’d quite like to get some of the Gore kit to keep it crisp over the winter.
@fermapiedi
Sounds like a great project; keep us updated!
@mouse
Ah, the PDM Concorde. Loves me that bike. Not sure what you’re doing with the diacompe levers on there, though.
@Chris
Just as a point of clarification; a V-Meter is actually the absence of a (working) computer. The only number a V-Meter reports on is the V; wether through a V taped over the screen on a computer, or – the preferred way – directly via the V that flows through us like a Jedi does the Force.
@frank
Bollocks. How remiss of me. This evening I was planning on building my bike back up after my holiday. I’ll leave the little ring off the front and file the teeth off all but the 11t cog before heading out for some hill reps.
@all
Speaking of bars, computers and other shiny things. I’ve just issued the birthday wish list to Mrs Chris. Rollers, Jawbones, a proper bike fitting session and, ahem, a Garmin 500 (data logger thing to be kept in my pocket at all times). Wish me luck!
@all
Here’s a photo that demonstrates how different curves can be more beautiful than others. Hinault’s bars are nearly perfect, while LeMond’s are too swooping.
@perplex
Seriously. Atrocious to say the least. He should consider slapping on some Adilettes.