Bicycle Mechanics - Stem shim question and handlebar suggestion

Hi all,
I've got a 1" fork and currently using a 1" stem to a 26.0 handlebar.
I want to go to an oversize handlebar.

Anybody have suggestion how to get there?
I don't want to change the fork and frame.

I was thinking to just go to a 1" fork to a 31cm stem. with a shim. That would allow me to got to a 1 1/8" to 31cm stem, but didn't know if that was really safe with a shim.

I was also looking if there is a 1" to 31 cm stem, but couldn't find one.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

I assume by "31 cm" you mean 31.8 mm. OK, now is your current fork threaded or threadless?

If it's threaded I don't know of any quill stems that have a 31.8 mm handlebar clamp. However, there are threaded to threadless adapters that replace a quill stem and let you use a threadless stem. Here is one:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175545_-1_201521_10000_200459

If it's threadless (or you use the above adapter) it's no problem. Almost all 1-1/8" threadless stems come with a shim to let them fit a 1" steerer and every LBS will have a drawer full if your particular stem didn't include one. And 1-1/8" threadless stems with 31.8 mm handlebar clamps are nearly the standard these days.

It is a threadless so I think the 1" with a shim and then being able to use a standard 1 1/8 31.8 cm stem.

I was a little concerned if a shim is going to be safe.

It is a threadless so I think the 1" with a shim and then being able to use a standard 1 1/8 31.8 cm stem.

I was a little concerned if a shim is going to be safe.
The shims are perfectly safe and commonly used.

Sorry to be pedantic but, again, its 31.8 mm, not cm. 31.8 cm is about 12-1/2" or over 1 foot. I don't think your want handlebar that big in diameter. :)

You are right 31.8mm

I use a shim, and have no problems. Just make sure you get a new headset compression cap that is 1-1/8" wide on the outside, but will fit into a 1" fork. I don't think any of the plastic ones do this, but a nice metal one definitely will--I think mine is made by Bontrager, but I'm sure other people make them.

I doubt KB made it in Santa Cruz , he has had his name become a Brand used by the Trek Corp.

Yea a metal Cap is a Good way to go. But it is just there to fine tune the headset pre load.
all the clamping bolts beneath it are loosened then,
after the stem is tightened around the steerer tube, there is no load on the cap .
it actually could be removed.. so really the plastic ones are fine ,, as is carbonfiber ..