I sent this out the other day with no replies. Maybe it didnt work? I am re ally interested getting some insight.
All this talk of steel cottered v. aluminum cotterless cranks made me start pondering stems and handlebars. I think, based on catalogues I have seen, that Cinelli was making steel bars and stems up until the late 1970s. I know now that these steel stems are highly sought after, but how common was it to use a steel stem after the arrival of aluminum versions? Why equip a bike with aluminum rims and cranks, but a steel bar/stem combo? Was is it just tradition? Conventional wisdom? Please discuss. Who made the first aluminum stems/bars? When did the switch begin? What are the pros/cons of each?
Also, does anyone know anything about Ambrosio bars/stems. I know they made top of the line rims back in the day, but how were there other components?
--Kirke Campbell
Houston, Tx