Product Description
Gorgeous and curvy pre-war Lauterwasser bars! They were rechromed years ago, and the finish is appropriate for a pre-war bike with light patina, not too shiny. These have the original bend style featuring classic deeply rounded "tops" taken straight from the early 1900's swoopy track bars, slightly shallow drop, long reach. The bend is similar to those found on the English Raleigh Golden Arrow or BSA Triple Star, among many others.
This bend is essentially the first iteration of a "dirt drop" or gravel bar, with its highly flared and shallow drops. It could also be seen as a precursor to the moustache bar, which is evident when viewed from the side. If you were to flatten these out and gave them a bit shorter reach you are in moustache territory.
The clamp measures 23.6mm with digital calipers. It has a little dimple, which I speculate was to set a shim in place.
Lauterwasser bars were the creation of cyclist John Lauterwasser in abouts the 1920's / 1930's. It's a German name and is traditionally pronounced "Lot-Ta-Vassa". John was born in London, and he pronounced it "lorda-was-suh". These bars became famous on 1930's path racers by the names of Iver Johnson and his Truss bike, the Raleigh Golden arrow, and many others. They were essentially track bikes with wide tires for racing on a dirt path
Condition
Exceptional near mint show worthy condition! Clamp area is near perfect. Better than good enough for any museum quality show bike! There is a touch of light pitting starting, primarily on the lower drops and the front of the hooks
Details
- Width: 44cm (c-c at ends)
- Clamp: 23.6mm (for use with shim, 2mm to fit British 23.8mm, or go larger for your 25mm or 25.4mm or even 26.0mm stem)
- Chrome plated Steel
