Retro Syncros vs Modern Thomson

[South Bound]

What are the earliest bars with a 31.8 clamp width, or is this all fairly new?

Just working on options maybe using a mix of older/newer components, so just wondering if going 'large' is an option.

Ta.

So then, based on the next few posts, should I go for a 'proper' retro Syncros (post, stem & maybe bar) build, or go for Thomson (post & stem & modern31.8/or retro25.4 bar)? They are definitely gonna be silver, which helps the modern stuff be sympathetic and it is going on a chunky frame. I reckon either would work. Thoughts?

 

[one-eyed_jim]

Re: Retro 31.8 Bar?

What are the earliest bars with a 31.8 clamp width, or is this all fairly new?

It's new. There were a couple of attempts at oversize a long time ago (there was a 28.6mm standard someone was trying to push that didn't stick) but the 31.8mm thing is basically a creation of the last five years.

That said, I've considered putting some on my Kilauea. Race Face Deus - silver flat bars and shiny stems - and Thomson almost look the part. There's also a lot of stuff around in the trials world - some in pretty anodized colours.

http://www.echobike.com/steering.html

 

[South Bound]

Yep, am thinking about a Thomson build as an alternative to retro Syncros, especially if I need a layback seatpost. We shall see!

Thanks anyway.

 

[kaiser]

You can still get the thomson elite stem in 25.4, or you can shim OS stems to regular bars.

 

[South Bound]

So you can, good man K. So then, what do we think, retro Syncros or sparkly new Thomson?

 

[stevet1]

whats it going on?

 

[OrangeRetro]

I'm going for a 110mm thomson 4x stem and a DMR 31.8 wingbar (Oooo riserbar :shock: ) on my 97 Kula. I decided to go for a thoughly modern-retro mix. The Thomson stem is beautiful and well worthy. I can't think of another modern stem that is so well enginered!

 

[andrewl]

Old Syncros posts crack where the head is pressed into the the shaft - Thompson is one piece.

Old Syncros stems are more flexy, crack and in threadless form don't grip a steerer as well as they should either.

If its a rider - Thomson Elite stem and post win hands down for me.

 

[utahdog2003]

Old Syncros posts crack where the head is pressed into the the shaft - Thompson is one piece.

Old Syncros stems are more flexy, crack and in threadless form don't grip a steerer as well as they should either.

If its a rider - Thomson Elite stem and post win hands down for me.

I'll second that.

 

[South Bound]

These will be going on the Funk (if it arrives) and I am inclined to agree so far about the Thomson thing. They are soooo nicely made and I have a layback post already on my Tomac. Also fairly resonable from Aspire and can combine an order when I order my Devolution.

TBH, they are chunky silver components with a different name written on them - should I actually care? Trouble is, this then starts me thinking about modern components elsewhere - modern mechs driving a 9-speed, maybe?

Only things fixed so far are the Frame (maybe, see my signature!), Fork and Cooks cranks, the rest is open to debate and subject to change.