get the aluminium ones. they’re lighter. then polish them. it’s easy, educational and rewarding
scored some track bars from The Jams a while ago, had them on for 1 ride, and now their hanging up with all the other handlebars that I aquired and didn’t like.
it’s the circle of life
no need to polish, the aluminium bars are already polished. just that the chrome is a lot brighter finish than polished aluminium.
The difference between CroMo and Steel, is in the weight.
Nitto B123 CroMo: 705grams (38cm)
Nitto B123 Steel: 740grams (38cm)
My b123s arrived in the mail today, track bike finally gets proper track bars…
I’m surprised the weight difference is so small. 40 grams is a pack of chips!
the steel bar/stem combo compared to the alloy version both nitto works out to be an extra 500g at least! lucky i’m not a weight weenie
+1
I’m glad we’ve had this discussion.
My experience is that steel bars survive a lot more crashes than alloy 
Worth the weight ‘penalty’ IMHO
Oh and I’m definitely in the drops fan club. When you need to really get moving on a climb getting in the drops is very useful - (see burgundy st). I miss the extra hand positions when im riding risers/flat bars (no matter the distance), but then i never did much time on bmxs or mtn bikes
drop bars mean you can
a) ride on the tops
b) ride on the ‘shoulders’
c) ride in the drops
rizorrrrzzzzz mean you can
a) ride on the tops
b) …
i like drops
If your risers are wide enough you have a heap of hand positions.
Out on the ends for chillin out maxin, relaxing all cool.
In the middle of the grips for regular cruising.
In closer to the bend when you want to put some pedal to the metal.
Down beside the stem when you want to get down low for some full aerooszzzzz.
You can then hold the bars differently to rest parts of your hands.
But really, I just don’t feel in control on drops despite the obvious advantages.
Track bars mean you can
a) ride with your hands awkwardly wedged up next to your stem
b) ride down in the drops and look like the hunchback of Notre Dame
I’m willing to trade away all comfort for power in a 12 lap scratch race, but when I’m riding around the city I’ll take risers or road bars any day.
I love my road drops for the variety of hand positions available to me, but it still feels awkward getting down in the drops – don’t know how the pros spend entire races there. Having said that, I guess my bars are set up predominately for ‘tops’ riding.
Those track drops are sexy as hell though…
With drops it’s all about set up. My fixed is set up with the usual aggressive saddle to bar drop and deepish cinelli pista bars. Looks awesome but is a PITA to actually use the drops, but is good for going fast I guess. My roadie I’ve got compact drops and less saddle to bar drop. Is a lot easier to use the drops and a lot more comfortable. On my commuter cross-check the bar and saddle are at pretty much the same height and I use the drops a lot. So many more useful bar positions when you choose a sensible setup. Sure, it’s not as aero or whatever but I finish my commute everyday without a sore back now.
I prefer risers on the street. Much more controll in those tight situations and having an upright body means Im more alert of whats ahead.
The only hand position I miss is holding the bars in the bend when climbing.