Stem & Handlebars - 04

STEM:
3ttt Record (modified) - aluminum alloy - non-anodized finish - 22.2 mm quill - 26.0 mm size clamp - 105 mm length - single bolt non-quick release - mid 1970’s second edition having an Allen key hex release bolt and corresponding knurled insert nut - "cone nut" style expansion fitting - model Record : O.M.A.S. stem bolt hardware - aluminum alloy - M7 x 135 mm SHCS stem bolt and cone - grouped model 161 ... [A factory correct and original component which has been suitably modified using vintage aftermarket alloy upgrades so as to better complement those ultra lightweight 3ttt handlebars described below. And while the triangular 3ttt logo decal located along the top of this stem is, indeed, an intact original, I have replaced the otherwise damaged decal surrounding its quill with a nice reproduction courtesy of Greg Softley, proprietor of Cyclomondo in Coffs Harbor, Australia.]

HANDLEBARS:
3ttt Record Competizione Superleggero - 1974 to 1986 second edition engraved logo - thin wall aluminum alloy - T6 heat treatment - Clear anodized finish - Gimondi profile bar bend - 120 mm wide / 26.0 mm clamp sized bulged center section - 44 cm O-t-O / 116 mm reach / 178 mm drop - model Superleggero : Velox - handlebar tape - cotton cloth - pre-glued adhesive backing - White - model Guidoline Champion : Velox handlebar end plugs - slotted head screw in attachment - pre circa 1984 "large" Velox logo - White ... [Although it is true that Pepita model 320 bicycles from the first half of the 1970’s originally came equipped with 3ttt Record handlebars, these would typically have been their Grand Prix model employing a conventional Merckx or TdF profile. For this bicycle, however, I elected to fit a set of ultra light 3ttt Record Competizione Superleggero bars which were introduced to the U.S. market in 1974 (...although they had been available in Europe since at least 1972 and perhaps as early as 1971) and which tip the scales at a mere 240 grams. Furthermore, I went with my personal preference of a Gimondi bar bend which is more akin to a Pista profile, having a fast forward bend and then a quick drop, opting to wrap everything with traditional White cloth handlebar tape as opposed to that vile Velox Plastilac which would have originally been used on a factory "stock" bicycle. One final point, I seem to recollect that the Velox end plugs fitted from new on these bikes could have interchangeably been White as seen here or natural gum rubber in color - either one of which compliments the White handlebar tape quite nicely (...be it original plastic or otherwise).]