A few thoughts related to bars and stems. I just changed my bar/stem (they had a creek I could not get rid of) on my track bike. From SR pista bars with a road stem, to Nitto 125aa bars and the Nitto 58 degree drop track stem. These bars seemed the closest in bend to what I had, and the drop stem is something I have always wanted.
I was surprised by the difference it made. From what I can tell, everything is within about 1cm of where things used to be, but the bike just felt different and almost out of sync to my riding.
The question is, does a cm really make a big difference, or am I just imagining things?
Also, on a related note, the bike felt somewhat dead compared to what I am used to, and my palms reall started to ache a bit after a 20 mile ride. I think these bars are a bit stiffer than what I had. Could there be a similar thing as a frame planing, just the right give in the bars:) Certainly felt that way.
Oh, and finally, what is the history of the drop stem for track bikes? why did it never catch on for road bikes?
Thanks
Dan Kasha
Seattle, Wa, USA
PS The Nitto quality seems perfect!