Bob Hanson showed the Eddy Merckx handle bar here (thanks for a nice reminder):
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/
I won't try to speak for Eddy Merckx, but as an engineer, I will say that to me this photo shows a well engineered modification. The end of the bar is heavily drilled, there should be virtually no stress out there. Then the drilling reduces somewhat gradually towards the stem. And the drillings near the stem are placed at a location that should not significantly affect downard strength, where I would expect most of the force to be applied.
And since this was for a track, he did not have to account for loading due to bad bumps or hard braking or anything else.
At 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter, I doubt he saved a lot of weight here. I would bet on the order of 10 - 20 grams. But my comment is that I would hope that today Eddy Merckx would select well thought out equipment that is appropriate for the competition.
Finally, I have to throw this in, so much talk about stiff modern bikes and comfortable vintage bikes. I really am surprised how this keeps getting repeated. I believe we are all falling hook-line-and-sinker for the marketing that they are trying to sell these days. My 1973 PX-10E, or my 1981 PXN-10LE or my Orbit Track bike are Very stiff riding. When I want to ride a comfortable bike, in my case, I take out my 1992 road racing geometry Cannondale (please don't flame me for mentioning this brand). Point is, there is nothing flexible about a good vintage Reynolds frame. And I think it is the geometry (and intended function) that can make a big difference in perceived feel!
So choose wisely, and think hard, don't let marketing do it for you.
Dan Kasha Seattle Washington, USA PS We should be organizing some Seattle vintage rides!
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