Classic silver cockpit, modern dimensions

[druptight]

Working on a winter project and thinking of going full on silver for the build. Just looking for additional suggestions/reviews on the options for classic looking silver cockpit pieces, with modern specs (31.8 bar clamp, 1 1/8 threadless stem, 27.2 seatpost):

-Soma has the layback post/highway 1 bars/shotwell stem - this option seems to be the cheapest without too much weight penalty

-Velo Orange has their range of silver seatposts/stems, although I don't think they've got a shallow set of bars - also pretty affordable

-Ritchey classic was my first thought, although it's a bit more spendy than those first two options it's certainly very matchy and gorgeous

-Nitto has lots of considerably more spendy options, although their stems/seatposts are super sexy

Is there anything else I'm missing here that I should consider? Soma is probably at the top of the heap at the moment with Ritchey in 2nd if I decide to double down.

Any experiences good/bad with the soma bits? Heard good things about the bars, but not much info on the stem/seatpost.

Also considering the VO grand cru headset as a good shiny silver headset option at half the price of king/cane creek.

[AngryScientist]

i'm very happy with the soma bits i've got. they work well and look good. they are not at the same level as nitto stuff, but at the price you would not expect them to be either. i've got the stem and seatpost, and they are very nice, especially for the $$

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WHxFIgChV7M/VaO4UHDHfLI/AAAAAAAACJ0/BTixIh2W-F8/s940/IMG_0934.JPG

[jmoore]

I have the full Soma cockpit and seatpost on my Mondonico. It's is comfortable and plenty stable. Not too expensive. I didn't think I'd like the shallow drops, but they are fine.


I also have two sets of Nitto Noodles with Technomic stems and Crystal Fellow posts on my two Merckx. They are super comfortable and dead sexy. IMO this is the defacto gold standard of silver parts.


The VO seatpost is good stuff as well. I have used one for a long time with zero issues. They even sent me a new top plate about 6 years after I bought it when they found a design flaw.

[Benneke]

Thomson makes some good looking stems and seatposts in silver

[druptight]

Thomson makes some good looking stems and seatposts in silver

My problem with Thomson is that I'm not a big fan of the looks of their setback seatpost.

[echelon_john]

I have brand new set of Soma Hwy 1 bars in 31.8/silver, 46cm width if you are interested...

[druptight]

I have brand new set of Soma Hwy 1 bars in 31.8/silver, 46cm width if you are interested...

Appreciate the offer, unfortunately width is on the wrong end of the spectrum for my 5'9" stature. Shoulders ain't quite that wide!

[seajaye]

Looks like you hit all the major ones.

I have Soma Highway 1's and have also used Ritchey "Curve" bars in the past (not Evocurve); I like both of them very much.

VO's Dajia bar is only offered in 26.0mm, which isn't helpful for you.

I'm guessing you probably wouldn't want to mix and match?

[wallymann]

i run this on my C50.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pbAAAOSwwbdWOGop/s-l500.jpg

[jmoore]

I'm guessing you probably wouldn't want to mix and match?

Mix and match bar and stem manufactuers and product lines?! Blasphemer!!!

[wallymann]

thomson elite/masterpiece as already mentioned, but their aesthetic is not everyone's taste.

deda RS01 (http://www.bikewagonmedia.com/media/img/haw/SPST13758.jpg) is available in matte and shiny silver, is forged and very well made, but it's pretty heavy.

planet-x offers a nice forged superlight team (http://d2plslj6xljffa.cloudfront.net/imgs/products/px/950x600_constWH/SPPXSLT3D-316-HPS_P1.jpg) seatpin that is really well made and reasonably light, but it has a quasi-aero shape that isnt exactly classic.

and there's an off-brand "dorcus" seatpin (http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1AI2yHVXXXXaaXpXXq6xXFXXXD/Bmx-frame-alloy-dorcus-used-seat-stem-piece-set.jpg) that i found that's also quite well made and reasonably light, design is similar to selcof and the graphics are just painted on for easy removal to give you pure classic lines.

[josephr]

Sorry, no pics , but am currently building up an older frame with the Ritchey Classic seatpost, stem, and bars. The finish is super nice and looks a lot better in your hand than the stock photos. The look is right on par with the Crystal Fellow.

Just hate the bike has a threaded fork and having to use an adapter. :(

Joe

[David Kirk]

The Ritchey Classic line is very nice -

dave

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12347823_1073551949363438_6682916320669651948_n.jp g?oh=9dc88f51eada3a47dd44995bf8b79891&oe=56E6F469

[Tony Edwards]

I too have had good luck with the Ritchey Classic stuff. Very high quality, reasonably light, and not too spendy.

[alexstar]

If the photo of the Kirk above doesn't sell you on the Ritchey Classic stuff, I don't know what will. I have it on a bike and it is very pretty and well made. Look no further IMO.

I handled the Deda Campione handlebar and it is pretty... pretty heavy.

[druptight]

My other bikes are all black Ritchey WCS and despite fighting with myself about being thrifty, I'm sure I'll wind up with the Ritchey classic stuff.

Looks like you can cobble together the ritchey cockpit for about $150 if you shop judiciously, whereas going the Soma route would probably be about $100.

Probably worth the extra $50!

[thirdgenbird]

The Ritchey Classic line is very nice -

dave

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/12347823_1073551949363438_6682916320669651948_n.jp g?oh=9dc88f51eada3a47dd44995bf8b79891&oe=56E6F469

The new (old) logos rock. Is that a classic bar? I thought the bend was different.

[spacemen3]

It's too bad the Ritchey Classic stem doesn't come in -17deg. :(

[zzy]

+1 on Ritchey classic. Far better quality of polish and construction. Matches a silver CK headset and Thomson bits perfectly. Try to find the older version too, the newer bars with the more traditional shape aren't as nicely made.

[soulspinner]

If the photo of the Kirk above doesn't sell you on the Ritchey Classic stuff, I don't know what will. I have it on a bike and it is very pretty and well made. Look no further IMO.

I handled the Deda Campione handlebar and it is pretty... pretty heavy.

I have trouble looking at silver bits cause the frame ROCKS!

[brockd15]

I did all silver at one point using a Nitto seatpost, Thomson X2 stem, and Ritchey bars.

My wife's straggler is all silver now with a Nitto seatpost, Soma bars, and Dimension stem. I had a Soma Shotwell on it but it was too long at 80mm.

Still have that stem if you find yourself needing one.

[fiamme red]

Compass handlebars: https://janheine.wordpress.com/2016/05/27/compass-31-8-mm-randonneur-handlebars/.

[stephenmarklay]

I really like the Rithcey stuff too. In fact I have the seat post coming. My bike is a 1” threaded so going to an adapter to make it all work seems silly. I ended up with a Nitto stem and soma bars.