31.8 stem / bars on retrobike
- Thread starter Rodrigues
- Start date
I think it relates to whether the frameset has oversized/very fat tubing. Obviously Klein fans are allergic to any bar/stem combo that isn't Klein, but for example the Cannondale CAAD 3 I'm rebuilding has fat tubes to perhaps rival said Kleins, and I'm going 31.8.
In the interests of comfort though, I've chosen Carbon handlebars (mainly because I need a little rise and non-flat Titanium handlebars are astonishingly expensive).
In the interests of comfort though, I've chosen Carbon handlebars (mainly because I need a little rise and non-flat Titanium handlebars are astonishingly expensive).
raidan73
Moderator
Archivist
Retrobike Rider
BoTM Triple Crown
BoTM Winner
Gold Trader
PoTM Winner
98+ BoTM Winner
Rocky Mountain Fan
Brodie Fan
- Feedback
- View
It was ITM King Size 
The Ritchey Classic range is nice though and Thompsons can also look nice. I think it will detract from the retro-ness though - if that's a problem for you?
The Ritchey Classic range is nice though and Thompsons can also look nice. I think it will detract from the retro-ness though - if that's a problem for you?
raidan73":ivupwdab said:It was ITM King Size
The Ritchey Classic range is nice though and Thompsons can also look nice. I think it will detract from the retro-ness though - if that's a problem for you?
Please forgive me... how could I have doubted you and your unswerving dedication to the retro cause, I feel such a fool.
al.
raidan73
Moderator
Archivist
Retrobike Rider
BoTM Triple Crown
BoTM Winner
Gold Trader
PoTM Winner
98+ BoTM Winner
Rocky Mountain Fan
Brodie Fan
- Feedback
- View
I actually only know because I had the offending bar/stem. I grabbed this image from Google as I couldn't find mine (looking at all the crap in the background it could actually be my image). I sold the bar and stem for a tenner posted with the sales pitch 'very rare but not necessarily desirable'!
al":2nh8rt98 said:raidan73":2nh8rt98 said:It was ITM King Size
The Ritchey Classic range is nice though and Thompsons can also look nice. I think it will detract from the retro-ness though - if that's a problem for you?
Please forgive me... how could I have doubted you and your unswerving dedication to the retro cause, I feel such a fool.
al.
Attachments
Frame is a 1993 Saracen Kili XTR Elite - like this awesome specimen:
viewtopic.php?t=83926
It will be mostly period correct. The frame isn't oversized (good point made by N/B). I guess I am a bit worried about significantly detracting from the aesthetics of the bike. I just haven't seen modern stems / bars on an old bike in the flesh. Gut feeling is it would look wrong.
viewtopic.php?t=83926
It will be mostly period correct. The frame isn't oversized (good point made by N/B). I guess I am a bit worried about significantly detracting from the aesthetics of the bike. I just haven't seen modern stems / bars on an old bike in the flesh. Gut feeling is it would look wrong.
What stem are you looking for? I've a few kicking about. I've been guilty of using 31.8 stems on retro steeds but it has to look right. They don't look out of place on my STS which I think is the only one I've done it on. Plenty of 'standard' size options from hope, Thompson etc if you aren't bothered about modern, or you could get that perfect retro stem/bar combo in the period size I'm sure.
