Bicycle Mechanics - Conversion to OS handlebars

Hi,

I am currently running a 26 mm handlebar, with a conversion adapter to go from a quill-type stem to a threadless stem.

I would like to upgrade the bars to a 31.8 mm set. Other than the bar and stem, do I need anything else? My brifters are 2004 vintage Campy Mirage - do I need new clamps to accommodate the fatter bars?

Thanks!

The OS center clamp area tapers down well before the brake lever band .

outside of the center its standard diameter..

But Why do you feel compelled to .. fix that which is not broken?

are you bending handlebars with your massive arm power?

The OS center clamp area tapers down well before the brake lever band .

outside of the center its standard diameter..

But Why do you feel compelled to .. fix that which is not broken?

are you bending handlebars with your massive arm power?

probably can't get the bend they are looking for in a 26mm clamp.
Not unusual, since some makers only offer their bars in 31.8mm and many others are moving away from 26mm entirely. FSA and easton comes to mind.

But if the faceplate in the stem is removable .. that makes any bend work.

people don't need to insert handlebars thru un open able stem /bar clamps any more.

Or those that do, Nitto Rivendale C&V types, wouldnt buy them anyway.

@ the OP. If you are looking for additional stiffness then you aren't going ot find it. The quill to threadless adapter will still be the weak link in the chain I'm afraid. If not then disregard.

But if the faceplate in the stem is removable .. that makes any bend work.

people don't need to insert handlebars thru un open able stem /bar clamps any more.

Or those that do, Nitto Rivendale C&V types, wouldnt buy them anyway.

no, I'm talking about the preference in bends. Someone might like FSA compact, while another would like a cinelli criterium. You can only get FSA compact bars in the 31.8mm diameter clamp. It's a contact point, just like a saddle, and it's absolutely user preference on like or dislike.

no, I'm talking about the preference in bends. Someone might like FSA compact, while another would like a cinelli criterium. You can only get FSA compact bars in the 31.8mm diameter clamp. It's a contact point, just like a saddle, and it's absolutely user preference on like or dislike.
+1. The availability of the FSA compact bend which allows me to have the top of the reach level and the brifter hoods a straight extension of them while still having the drops almost level is what lead me to convert to 31.8 bars across the line. "Improved stiffness" had nothing to do with it.

...I would like to upgrade the bars to a 31.8 mm set. ...

It's not an "upgrade", it's a "change". No better or worse, except if 31.8 is the only way you can get the bar shape you want. (which is increasingly true these days).

+1. The availability of the FSA compact bend which allows me to have the top of the reach level and the brifter hoods a straight extension of them while still having the drops almost level is what lead me to convert to 31.8 bars across the line. "Improved stiffness" had nothing to do with it.

Besides the point that 31.8 bars are available in much more variety and high end models than the obsolete 26.0 standard, along with 1" quill and anything less than 10 speed. People really need to stop riding outdated stuff around here.

If you cannot afford a $4000 bike you should Grovel , not walk.

31.8? pfftt.... 35 or nothing