3ttt (Tecno Tubo Torino) - previously Ambrosio Country: Italy Founded: early 1950s Famous for handlebars and stems. 3ttt 70s catalog writes, “3ttt stems represent the finest achievement in the world in this specialised component. Strong yet light, lovingly hand forged and engraved by Italian artists in metal”. The Torino, Italy based company began manufacturing handlebars & stems from aluminum, a shift away from steel, making them a favorite amongst the Italian bicycle racing community. Bars were shaped with various bends and named after the various champions who had both contributed to their design and ridden their namesakes to countless notable victories. 1975 print catalog notes four drop bar designs: (1) Record Grand Prix drop bars, weighing 315gr. “… for general sport or racing”, available in the ‘Merckx’ bend, also referred to as ‘Tour de France’. (2) Record Competition, weighing 275gr. were described as being intended “…for the demands of world class riders (used by most)”(sic), available in ‘Merckx’ or ‘Gimondi’ bends (3) Record Competition Superleggero, weighing 240gr. and proudly described as being “… the lightest racing bar in the world, … the ultimate racing bar”, for which “3ttt has employed engineering and manufacturing techniques of unique sophistication” (4) Record Competition Pista, weighing 275gr. The 3ttt proprietary track bend “… places rider in best position to minimise riders frontal area yet keep breathing and rider strength high.” Etiquette clearly dictates the use of matching manufacturers when selecting bar and stem. "No self respecting builder of fine bicycles would mix and match bars and stem from different manufacturers!” |
