Classic & Vintage - stem dilemma

I want to switch out quill stems, my current one is a modolo 120mm, and it feels too long. I have a 100mm cinelli, but it's trapped by vintage hand sewn leather bar wrap:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/jvpro/lever.jpg

my choices are:
1. cut the stitching and free the stem. Will doing this devalue the bar / stem / lever / leather combo?
2. Use the cinelli bar / stem combo on another future bike, or sell as is. Buy a shorter stem for my current bike.

cut the stitching, or rather just get an end free and pull it out...then re-lace it with new thread. I like waxed linen thread (more like cord) or waxed hemp if you can find it. Lacing is really pretty easy if you get a blunt, curved needle. Study the old lacing, like on the opposite side, to get it right.

well once I cut or remove the thread I might as well free the campy levers? Then deal with it all seperately or re-assemble in the future -

Have you checked to make sure the Cinelli stem will fit the bars you want to use it on? Traditional Cinelli clamp diameter is 26.4.

sorry to hijack, and I assume this question has been dealt with before, but has anyone had any luck making their own leather bar covers? jim

^ Chris @ velo orange makes them for a pretty reasonable amount

http://www.velo-orange.com/elsebarco.html

that does seem like a reasonable price, but just for kicks I might be interested in doing them myself. I have done some leather work, and have a few tools (including the right kind of punch to make the holes along the seam). Might even have some leather around that would work.

jim

I forgot about cinelli 26.4...I'll probably get another stem in that case, after I measure both of course.
I may get a nitto pearl, I need a little height also.

I forgot about cinelli 26.4...I'll probably get another stem in that case, after I measure both of course.
I may get a nitto pearl, I need a little height also.

Pearls, Technomics, and Technomic Deluxes are also not 26.4, they're either 25.4 or 26.0. It's arguable whether it's suitable to stretch a 26.0 Nitto over a 26.4 Cinelli or Ambrosio handlebar, but some will say you're taking your life in your hands if you do and the clamp area cracks.

If it really doesn't fit, you'll bung up the Cinelli bars trying to make it fit (EXPERIENCE!!!).

Road Fan

Get another stem! If the VIP set is nice shape you DO NOT want to unstitch it.

I forgot about cinelli 26.4...I'll probably get another stem in that case, after I measure both of course.
I may get a nitto pearl, I need a little height also.I'd be interested in the Cinelli stem/bar combo for my Guerciotti. Those are Giro bars, right? PM me if you want to sell/trade.

I have the brown version of that wrap on my touring bike:

http://quadesl.com/photoalbums/Misc/My%20Bicycles/slides/DSC01081.html

I've wiggled it off and put it back on by soaking it. I glued it with a hypodermic needle through the stitching.


Sheldon

I want to keep the modolo bars on the bike I'm currently riding...it's the matching modolo stem that is too long. I measured the bars at 26.0, so a nitto will work for me. I moved my saddle forward a bit tonight, and I'll ride it tomorrow, I may not have to change the stem if it feels right. Old fat guy, check your pm's -