Bicycle Mechanics - Will a 25.4mm diameter handlebar fit in a 26mm stem?

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abid_sikder
03-22-11, 10:44 PM
Will a 25.4mm diameter handlebar fit in a 26mm stem?

M_S
03-22-11, 10:49 PM
With a shim.
fietsbob
03-22-11, 11:36 PM
Nitto even packages up a nice one.

Max C.
03-23-11, 12:12 AM
And if you're shimless, most hardware stores sell a product called "Shim in a Can" or similar product that is Aluminum sheet in a can and available in multiple thicknesses. It's cheap and easy, better than buying online just for the lack of shipping.
BCRider
03-23-11, 12:28 AM
I know it doesn't seem like a lot of space to squeeze down to but trust us, you want to use a shim.

Without a shim the bars end up only being clamped at a few points and that leads to wobble in the bars in the stem clamp area. Or in the case of a stem that doesn't use a separate cap it means you're stretching the metal a lot to get the stem to close down far enough.

In a pinch you'll find that a shim cut from the side of a pop or beer can will do nicely.
NightShift
03-23-11, 12:52 AM
Yeah. When I put mustache bars on my old ten speed I figured the clamp would bend and wrap enough to hold the bars. It seemed to work for the first ride, but by the second I was hearing a little squeak, and on the third the bars slipped down. For the last year my bike has had a little Dr.Pepper (can) in it. Been problem free.

If I had a different style stem I would probably have more concern about getting the exact right thickness for the shim.
bradtx
03-23-11, 03:56 AM
abid_sikter, To make a shim I used two layers of aluminum from a beer/soda can. Cut two 1" wide strips from from the long section of the can, flatten the aluminum. Put one strip atop of the other, align an end and wrap around the handlebar, then cut off any overlap. Works fine.

Brad
fuzz2050
03-23-11, 11:28 AM
If you want to use a beer can, I'd suggest Fosters. It's somewhat trivial, but the larger diameter can does give you more length to work with, and it makes it a little easier to do.
Bianchigirll
03-23-11, 12:16 PM
here is what you need from Ben's/Milwauke Bikes.

http://www.benscycle.net/images/Nitto%20Handlebar%20Shims.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:window.close())

http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=188_232_595&products_id=353

I have dealt with them a few times and they are great! fast shipping easy to fix problems (well the ones they cause) and decent prices.