"Let’s make a handlebar! Make it wide, no matter what!"
That was the request SimWorks received from Kyle Kelley of Golden Saddle Cyclery, a bike shop in Los Angeles.
Of course, we agreed without hesitation, and in order to bring the ideal handlebar that he and the Golden Saddle crew envisioned to life, we moved the conversation forward and asked Japan’s pride, Nitto, to handle the production. This is that Smog Cutter Bar.
It features a 480mm (center-to-center) width, the widest we could possibly achieve, while still maintaining a standard road drop shape without any flare. It has a shallow reach and drop. We actually poured into this handlebar the same sentiments that Kyle put into the track bike he built for THE VANILLA WORKSHOP BUILD-OFF held this past July.
This is a multi-purpose handlebar that we recommend not only for track bikes, but also for CX bikes, gravel bikes, road bikes, and even for enjoying long, relaxed rides while touring. At first glance, one might think it’s too wide for us. But once you break those preconceived notions and try riding with it, I believe your world will change. I’ve already installed it on my own Sklar and have been tearing up the gravel; the sense of stability on descents is outstanding, and I’ve been enjoying my rides on the climbs by taking advantage of the width for out-of-the-saddle efforts.
The name of this bar, "Smog Cutter," comes from a Los Angeles karaoke bar that sadly closed its doors last year. It was a place where Kyle and the Golden Saddle crew often visited and partied. The name reflects both our wish for you to enjoy the party we call "riding," and the idea that this handlebar cuts through the hustle and bustle of the city.
SimWorks by NITTO
Smog Cutter Bar / GSC Limited
Material : Heat Treated Aluminium
Width : 480mm (C–C at ends)
Center diam. : 31.8mm
Bar diam. : 23.8mm
Reach : 78mm
Drop : 128mm
Weight : 366g
Color : Ice Grey Anodized
Price : ¥11,800(excl. tax)
This is a limited production run of 100 units worldwide, available exclusively through Golden Saddle Cyclery, Circles, and SimWorks.
Sales have already begun in the U.S., and in Japan, they will go on sale today, Friday, November 2nd, at 12:00 PM.
Of course, the handlebars are Made in Japan by Nitto. With their high reliability, please install them on your bike and enjoy a comfortable ride, fueled by Kyle's spirit!
