To be clearer... the shape formed when you curve your index finger inside your thumb is roughly hexagonal. The bars were supposed to match this same hexagonal shape for comfort, at least that was the theory at the time. Didn't catch on...
On Nov 19, 2006, at 9:47 PM, Chuck Schmidt wrote:
> Kurt, Couldn't find anything about the EXA bars on the Cinelli web
> site but found this:
> http://www.cinelli.it/
>
> Willie asked about why the six sided section (hexagon)? Form a
> circle with your thumb and index finger. The hexagonal section is
> supposed to fit that. That handlebar plug was hard to get when
> these bars were available. I saw lots of those bars at my local
> bike shop back then, but none of the matching plugs!!!
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, Southern California
> United States of America
> http://www.velo-retro.com (reprints, t-shirts & timelines)
>
>
> On Nov 19, 2006, at 6:57 PM, Kurt Sperry wrote:
>
>> Cinelli EXA I believe. Came out mid-'80s.
>>
>> http://i16.ebayimg.com/
>>
>> I always wanted to try a set.
>>
>> There is a bit about them on the http://www.cinelli.it site if I remember
>> correctly.
>>
>> Kurt Sperry
>> Bellingham WA
>> USA
>>
>>
>> On 11/19/06, wilc <cherrycycle1@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>> hi listers,
>>> on my travels i picked up a pair of cinelli h/bars with an
>>> octagon section
>>> N.O.S. [in the plastic bag wrapper].marked XAI or XA1
>>> if any of you guys can enlighten me on the reason for the shape
>>> and the
>>> history of these strange bars i would be glad to hear from anyone
>>> either on
>>> or offlist, i am unsure about the timeframe but if off list it
>>> cannot be by
>>> much according to the Pinarello dealer where i bought them, they are
>>> extremely rare and only appeared in the catalogue for a year!!!
>>> Hilary Stone agreed as i asked him at the Preston,LANCS cycle
>>> jumble on
>>> nov 11, but could not throw much light on the find, although he
>>> said he had
>>> a pair in his collection..
>>> Willie Carton from a very windy wintry dismal COLERAINE N. IRELAND
>>>
>>>
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