Choice of bars

Don't use a V-brake lever with standard road calipers! The lever will pull too much cable and you'll basically endo. You can make 'em work but I would steer clear.

Basically you're looking for a lever compatible with standard calipers/cantis. Theres plenty out there.

The paul levers are nice but 'effing expensive. Dirty Harry levers work ok and can be had for about fiver 2nd hand. Tektro MX's can be had for about 2 quid as they're sh** but work.

RE: cheap track bars in black. ITM pista bars came in black and you could get 'em for about 10usd recently.

Looks like trackstar haven't paid their bills - www.trackstarnyc.com

Will have a look for ITM ones.

1bhp:after a bit of deliberation i think i'm going to revert back to track drops from chooped down risers, so I'm on the lookout for some nice shiny, narrow, (and cheap!) track drops... also after seeing dexterflexters nice leather bits, think it's time to replace my inner tube wrapped toptube too. dexterflexter - could you do them in any other attachment? would prefer it to be semi permanent so the little scrotes out east can't run off with it from outisde the pub

Yep the "nipples" are used just to make it easy to take it off and put it back on, which may also be an opportunity to thieve it. So instead of the nipples, I can supply screw on rivets in brass or silver which you will need a screwdriver to attach and take off. With this combination it is now "semi-permanant" as you requested, but just takes a bit more time. I'm gonna have a new range of frame protectors with neater look, the leather will do a full wrap instead. Will post some pics after the weekend.

Black hard anodized track drops.

Nitto X T19

Those are gorgeous... cant see them on trackstar site tho :( Will see what google gives me.

Tstars are powdercoated not anodized. Those are pretty pimp though.

Ah i see - well i emailed them anyway and they havent got any in atm :(

If anyone comes across some anywhere - let me know!

The Nitto XT-19 stuff is all new and will be available in the US from May (according to some dodgy internet site).

Anyone one wanting a really dope pair of black pista bars. These are currently cheap (13 quid at time of posting) although they're oversize and a wee bit large (42cm). Really really nice stiff and comfy bars:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Deda-Pista-oversize-aluminium-track-handlebars-42cm-NEW_W0QQitemZ260102382970QQcategoryZ56194QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have a narrow set of road drops, with a salsa cross lever on top. Because I always ride in the hoods position or on the tops, I’ve cut the drops off the bars since I never use them.

If you want to fit a cross lever without being inline with standard levers, you can have the cable approaching the lever from the wrong way, if that makes sense. If you fit the cable normally, the lever will push the cable housing, and the cable will remain still. If you reverse the cable, it will move the cable, not the housing.

Does anyone know where you can get bars like these?

I think you just buy drops, a hacksaw and some metal filing paper.

I think the ones in that photo are sold pre-cut by Nitto in Japan. If you want them then you will need a contact in Japan or the metal working tools that David mentioned.

gav- lol i cant believe you sifted through fgg to find it again.

On the page he says - T19 X Nitto bullhorns - which fixedpip above says will be in the US in May.

i found an old pm i sent you which had the url, although it did take awhile i admit. it was either that or work, so fuck it :)

I guess ill try to pick them up in the us this summer

1bhp:after a bit of deliberation i think i'm going to revert back to track drops from chooped down risers, so I'm on the lookout for some nice shiny, narrow, (and cheap!) track drops...

These are kinda cool

Don't do it, they are meant to be bullhorns, just flipped over because shingo started it all, doesn't provide any beneficial purpose.

Get some nice drops. Major taylor bars are nice if you ride brakeless (not much room near the stem for a brake). Risers and bullhorns for all day riding with a brake. Your choice.

dexterflexter:Don't do it, they are meant to be bullhorns, just flipped over because shingo started it all, doesn't provide any beneficial purpose.

Anyone got any cheap risers to recommend?

if you really must put mtb bars on a road or track bike ;)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1009

azonics, proven and cheap enough.

but if you want very cheap, look at ebay or classifieds on singletrackworld.com mtb'ers are rich, they give stuff away

just take a set of risers off any old mountain bike!!! then chop them down, go down brick lane on a sunday and there's loads of scrap, lots of risers that can be cut down

I prefer the extra leverage, when on the drops, for low cadence climbing. When riding a highish steady cadence i lean my weight on extra long drops, to take the weight off my legs. My bars are 39cm and are slightly flared. I rate drops since youve only got one gear and your bars should help you get the most out of it. Go to you local old school bike shop and ask for second-hand bars. Youll pay about a fiver a pair. I got some nitto noodles and a crazy flared specialized (?) cross bar, from AW cycles Colliers Wood.

When i am climbing out of the saddle i prefer to be holding on in the hoods position, its more comfortable to be almost upright, and it helps with breathing (for me at least).

I think I am done riding my upside down moustache bars... I am on the market for drops.

I've just fitted drops.

Let's hope I worked out how to wire the brake up correctly! ;)

If you messed up, you'll find out soon enough.

Anyone seen the black tee19's for sale anywhere outside of JP yet?

Apparently whoever runs rollin' stock blog/site was meant to be getting some, but i havent seen any evidence...