Does everyone know about the ADB-X? It’s a track bar with a unique form that you won’t forget once you’ve seen it. This handlebar is one of the aerodynamic bars that was sold by Nitto in the 1980s.
The 1980s were a time of a rush to break records in the hour record, a discipline in which riders competed to see how many laps of the velodrome they could complete in one hour. Since the UCI rules hadn't been updated yet, it was an era when every brand was coming up with various ideas to reduce air resistance to the absolute limit. Looking back, it was a time when some truly aggressive bikes and parts were being created. "Funny bikes," which used a smaller front wheel to encourage a more aggressive forward-leaning posture, are the perfect example.
Back then, Nitto was also developing products with air resistance in mind, and the ADB-X was born as an aerodynamic concept handlebar. By shaping the top section of the bar like an airplane wing, the design aims to reduce drag.
As noted in the Nitto news above, this handlebar was first released in 1981, and although it had a very limited re-release in 2009, Nitto has re-issued it once again to coincide with the recent CMWC 2023 Yokohama! While it had a 26.0mm clamp diameter back in the day, this time they have made it available in 25.4mm.
Kamo-chan, who is arguably one of the biggest track bike nerds at Circles and even owns the 2009 re-release, has shrewdly gotten his hands on this new re-release and installed it immediately.
When it comes to Nitto track bars, there is the eternal standard, the B123 model, but unlike that one, this bar is characterized by its angled shoulders. The fact that the wing-shaped section cannot be bent is why it has this specific shape, and it’s a bar that clearly reflects the background of the aero-conscious manufacturing of that time.
It is available in silver and black, and in two widths: 380mm and 400mm. It also comes in a great package that includes decals that allow you to recreate the original look. Quantities are limited, so don't miss this opportunity if you're interested!
NITTO ADB-X
Material: Aluminum
Width: 380mm, 400mm
Stem Clamp Diameter: 25.4mm
Reach: 380mm/112mm, 400mm/116mm
Drop: 380mm/154mm, 400mm/158mm
Color: Silver, Black
Includes stickers to recreate the original design
Price: 11,000 yen (tax included)