Handlebar CTA 400-25,2 Randonneur racing vintage R473

Racing geometry meets touring practicality in this CTA bar. The 400 mm width across the drops is paired with a 25.2 mm central clamping area — a combination that appears frequently on French randonneur and course builds from the period. Not the most common pairing, which makes it worth identifying before you commit.

Compatibility Check for Your Build

Two numbers govern fitment. Measure your stem clamp before anything else: 25.2 mm is a specific diameter, not a universal one. The 400 mm width sits mid-range for a vintage cockpit — wide enough for stable handling on long day rides, narrow enough for club racing geometry. The bend profile suggests a bar built for mixed duty: drops for fast sections, a shape that allows a comfortable position on the tops.

CTA Production Details

CTA was a French manufacturer supplying bars to numerous frame builders during the classic era. This example carries the R473 location code, keeping the inventory slot identifiable. The bar is used, so minor cosmetic defects or storage wear such as micro-scratches may be present. The photos are part of the description — review them for the exact bend profile, engraving and any surface details that matter to your restoration.

For another French option, the Handlebar PHILLIPE 410-25 vintage bike Eroica Randonneur racing R463 shows a similar touring-racing mix. A narrower racing alternative appears on the Handlebar racing 380-25.2 mm vintage bike Eroica.