As we mentioned in our recent blog, the Los Angeles bike shop Golden Saddle Cyclery has sadly closed its doors. They finally handed the shop back to the landlord and ceased operations completely last month. It left me feeling a bit lonely at the start of the new year, but knowing them, I’m certain they’ll be up to something interesting again soon. With that belief in mind, we at Circles decided to shake off the blues and start our own new year with renewed energy yesterday.
GSC has finally closed, but as it happens, the last run of that hugely popular, laid-back drop bar, the Smog Cutter Bar—which we’d been working on under the radar with the owner, Kyle, since last year—has just arrived at this very moment!
In what is truly the final batch, no matter how you look at it, we have a lineup of three variations: 480mm / 510mm (a new size!) / 530mm.
SIMWORKS Smog Cutter Bar / GSC Limited
Material : Heat Treated Aluminum
Width : 480mm / 510mm / 530mm (center – center at ends)
Center diam. : 31.8mm
Bar diam. : 23.8mm
Reach : 78mm
Drop : 128mm
Weight : 366g(480mm) /406g(510mm) /418g(530mm)
Color : Stealth Grey Anodized
Kyle wanted to roll around his local Silver Lake on a track bike more comfortable than any he’d ridden before—one with a gear ratio that might get a laugh from the local street kids, and equipped with wider drop bars than your average cyclocross bike. SimWorks took that idea to heart, pulled some all-nighters, and worked with Nitto to bring this Smog Cutter Bar to life.
The key is that while the cockpit is compact, the handle width is as wide as possible. Unlike the flared bars that have become common lately, this one features a clean, straight drop. We originally created it for track bikes and single speeds, but when installed on a geared bike, it’s truly comfortable. Once you’ve experienced the width of these bars, there’s no going back—it’s that addictive.
Oh, and Kyle shared some advice on choosing the size, so I’ll pass that along for your reference.
If you’re riding a standard road bike with 28c tires or smaller, I recommend the 480mm regardless of your height or shoulder width.
Personally, I think the 510mm is great for single speeds (whether it’s road, CX, or gravel). It makes it easier to put power down on climbs. I have a 510mm on my road-only track bike, and I use the 530mm for track-locross because it gives me more control and better power transfer.
If you’re used to bars narrower than 460mm, the 510mm will probably feel the most natural. If you’re a flat-bar rider wondering if you should try these, don’t be afraid—you’re definitely going to love them. For anyone 6ft (approx. 182cm) or taller, the 530mm is the way to go. Though, I’m 173cm and I have several bikes set up with 530mm!
Take that for what it’s worth. Just keep in mind that this is only my opinion. Bike fitters around the world might get mad at me, but I don’t care—I don’t measure my shoulder width when I choose handlebars. The only advantage of narrow bars is that it’s easier to weave through traffic, but once you learn to wheelie, you won’t have to worry about that anyway.
Of course, there’s a physique difference between folks over there and us here in Japan, so this advice might not be a perfect fit for everyone. But it really captures Kyle’s philosophy that cycling is all about freedom. Try not to get caught up in preconceived notions, and let your imagination run free on how you want to play with your bike.
I’ve said it every time I’ve introduced this handlebar, but widening your bars truly expands your world. Please, take Kyle’s spirit with you, install the Smog Cutter, and enjoy the ride.
By doing so, GSC will always remain in your heart.
