Kona Velocity Stem- want to fit new bars.

[slimjimmy]

Hi all, deligted to come across your forum!

I have a 1993 Kona Kilauea. As my racing days are over :shock: I want to adapt the bike for a more relaxed riding position. First step change the handlebars for a 'riser type' I have spotted a good deal on riser handlebars

I have measured the diameter of the existing bars (at the stem) and it measures 20mm but the new bars are 31.8mm diameter. Can this be true ??

Does this mean that they wont fit my stem?
Has anyone any experience of this ?
Any advice ??

Thanks for the great site

 

[danson67]

Welcome aboard, Jimmy...

Check the old bars again...20mm seems pretty small, I don't know of any bars that small.

The Kona experts might know otherwise, but... Generally, I would expect 22.2mm at the ends, bulging (or shimmed) to 25.4mm/ 1 inch at the centre bulge for the stem.

22.2mm/7/8" is possible at the stem, but unlikely (Very, very old school).

The modern riser bars you're looking at are pretty standard at 31.8mm at the bulge these days, but you can still get the slimmer bars, just look for the 1"/25.4mm bulge type.

All the best,

 

[slimjimmy]

Hi Danson,

Thanks for your reply and good info. It seems I have a dodgy measuring tool. I re-measured just now and the bars measure 24.5mm at the bulge at the stem.

I presume this means that I could squeeze a 25.4mm bar into my stem?? is this correct

Thanks again for your info and reply

 

[BerthaPog]

Hi Danson,

I presume this means that I could squeeze a 25.4mm bar into my stem?? is this correct

Thanks again for your info and reply

Yes, but the you may have an issue threading the bends of the riser bar through the stem if the bends are tight - some gentle persauding of the stem opening maybe required.

If it really doesn't want to go, you can get front loading quill stems from SJS, but you's also need a cable hanger (assuming you're still running canti's).

 

[danson67]

Yup, that's right. Unless you get into the murky world of 80s road bars, there's only 3 possible stem clamp diameters to deal with and up until about 5 years ago 25.4mm was totally dominant.

Make sure the clamp bolt on the stem's loose (or out completely,just to be on the safe side) when you fit the bars, and be careful not to score the bars on any bends as you slide them through the stem.

All the best,