Dropped: Deda Newton Anatomic Handlebar

Other than a few rides on other people's bikes I haven't ridden with an anatomic handlebar...regularly. Classic drops never fit my hand quite right so I think it's time I give this style a go. The market features so many varied models that there was only so much research I could do to feel sufficiently informed on this selection before being overwhelmed by all of the choices. Carbon was never an option so that easily narrowed the candidates down. In the sea of black handlebars I was hoping to find something like the shiny chrome of yore. There are classic steel bars still in production but I'd like to avoid those and stay with a lighter option. As it turns out Deda makes a couple of attractive aluminum models with a polished finish. The Speciale is polished silver with the classic Italian drop, which would be perfect but I've decided I prefer an anatomic design. The Newton is anatomic, comes in a dark polished version and is a slim 210 grams (I'm not a weight weenie but I am trying to reasonably curb grams where I can). Its featherweight is quite surprising. I don't want a bar with a deep drop, nor too shallow either, and this model meets that in-the-middle specification. Although from holding it I can tell there is very little vertical room to slide the hands, which I hope will not feel too restricting when I'm on the road. Crossing fingers. The short reach aspect of the design is a plus though. I don't have small hands, but I do want very easy access to the levers and not feel like I'm having to overextend my fingers. All part of the anatomic fit. Overall I find this bar well tailored to my needs and I'm looking forward to putting it to the test.

Take the C Train: Campagnolo Centaur Drive Train

The "C" could be for Campagnolo or Centaur. It could stand for ciclismo, cappuccino or campione. The C Train is open to interpretation. I didn't buy this trio of components in one fell swoop, but rather in two different purchases from two online retailers. It was quite fortunate timing for me to get a great deal on the 2009 Campagnolo Centaur front derailleur and then the companion rear derailleur and 10-speed chain in a span of a few weeks. Piecing together a gruppo can be an uncertainty, but with patience and a keen eye all will come together well. Not having put these components into action yet the most I can say at this point is I expect them to perform similarly to the previous incarnations of their Chorus and Record counterparts. This is what the "expert" reviews of the cycling media have concluded at least. As I've noted in a previous blog post, or two, it is natural with any technology for the design innovations to trickle down from the top over time. While they await their installation I can at least admire the shiny, polished alloy and imagine how they will look on the completed bike. After all that is half the fun, acquiring the parts and envisioning the full assembly in the mind. The other half, naturally, is the actual building of the bike. That day is not too far off.