Amir Avitzur wrote:
>
>If manufactured properly the bulge, and the area around the bulge, could be
>made to be the thickest and strongest part of the handlebar. Methods similar
>to the ones used to make butted tubing, for example, could be used to form
>the bulge.
Yes, that _could_ be done, but as far as I know it isn't, or at least
wasn't until fairly recently.
>
>Since those methods are expensive, a press-fit or shrink-fit sleeve, is a
>reasonable alternative. The "Maes" bars on the Gran Sport have a purely
>cosmetic sleeve that is open on the bottom. I'll take pictures once I clean
>it up. I don't think it adds strength, just looks.
I've never heard of one of these bars breaking, it is a very well made, high-quality product. Nothing better existed back in the day, except perhaps Titan, which was similar in construction but larger in diameter.
Sheldon "GB" Brown
+--------------------------------------+
| Any event, once it has occurred, |
| can be made to appear inevitable |
| by a competent historian. |
| --Lee Simonson |
+--------------------------------------+
--
Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts
Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041
http://harriscyclery.com
Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
http://captainbike.com
Useful articles about bicycles and cycling
http://sheldonbrown.com