[CR] Ambrosio stems [Re: Zeus 2001 brake questions]

Content-class: urn:content-classes:message
Subject: [CR] Ambrosio stems [Re: Zeus 2001 brake questions]
Date: Wed, 14 Sep 2005 21:56:58 -0700
Thread-Topic: [CR] Ambrosio stems [Re: Zeus 2001 brake questions]
thread-index: AcW5TfeNeBaZwEeHQ6eH5YD+oIOtsQAY57Ag
From: "Mark Bulgier" <Mark@bulgier.net>
To: "Thomas Adams" <thomasthomasa@yahoo.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>

Thomas Adams asks:
> Did Ambrosio make stems too?

These are not for sale, just to answer the question "did they make any?":

I'm guessing early 70s for this one http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Bars_Stems_Saddles_Posts/Ambrosio_Gran -Prix_stem.jpg or http://tinyurl.com/b5om8 Notice the partial conversion to hex ("Allen") socket bolts - the bar clamp still used a regular nut and bolt.

This'n is a similar vintage adjustable stem: http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Bars_Stems_Saddles_Posts/Ambrosio_adju stable.jpg or http://tinyurl.com/ad753 Yeah I know it's assembled "backwards" - if you put the extension piece in the other way, you have a normal stem, level on a 73° head angle.

And three hastily-snapped shots of an early 60s Ambrosio Champion: http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Bars_Stems_Saddles_Posts/AmbrosioChamp ion1.jpg http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Bars_Stems_Saddles_Posts/AmbrosioChamp ion2.jpg http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Parts/Bars_Stems_Saddles_Posts/AmbrosioChamp ion3.jpg Skip the third one unless you're real interested, it is an especially bad photo just to show that the left side of the extension says "DURAL FORGÈ ET ESTAMPÈ" - why French on an Italian stem? (Why ask why?)

Some time in the 70s Ambrosio became 3ttt (or their handlebar/stem business was bought by, renamed to, or merged with 3ttt, or some such). Some Ambrosio designs were later updated and sold as 3ttt, in a couple of cases with little change other than the brand stamping. That adjustable stem is an example, I have Ambrosio and 3ttt versions that are nearly identical.

Mark Bulgier
Seattle WA USA