artclone

How does one thread bars that come prewrapped with leather and mounted with brake clamps in into a stem? For example the Almarc wrapped bars that are still available NOS:

randyjawa 

You get a stem like this, or something similar to it...

artclone

I was thinking that, or a hinged one, but these have been around since before those stems. How did one do it in the late 70s?

KonAaron Snake 

You had to re-sew.

randyjawa 

I had a couple of those and they did not inspire me with confidence! I simply don't trust the design. And, I really don't like the appearance of the stem that I showed, but it is so darn comfortable for me to ride. Sometimes, function must preceded form, although, most of the time I go for show first, then go.

artclone

Probably right . . . at least you'd only have to do one side.

Charliekeet

What didn't inspire confidence, the hinged ones in particular, or the idea of any split stems? While not exactly like the one pictured, BMX riders use nothin' but removable faceplate stems, and they put ridiculous forces through them.

(I used to have the stem used by Sean Burns, who literally jumps off of roofs. It's got bigger bolts, for sure, but it's also got plenty of cut-out area.)

Salamandrine 

Simple answer is that they didn't do that in the late 70s. Bars didn't come pre wrapped then. You put them through the stem, put on the brake levers, and then wrapped. There may be some exception to this but I've never seen it.

I'd assume those NOS bars date to the 90s and were meant to be used with a 3TTT hinged stem. Almost seems like they are a sales pitch for a hinged stem in fact.

KonAaron Snake 

FWIW, I have a NOS/ NIB hinged 90s 3ttt stem.

artclone

I think you're right. In fact I've now seen some of these bars sold with hinged stems.

Salamandrine 

FWIW if you are tempted by those bars, I think you'd be better off with a modern stem that has a removable faceplate. I don't really trust those hinge things.

artclone

I agree. I'll likely try the sew-it-yourself leather wrap from VO on my current bars and stem.

Chombi1 

There's a lot of C&V stems out there with hinged clamps that will let you mount that pre-wrapped bar easily and allow you to remove it any time you need to. No need to get those modern stems with the front bolt on clamping plate, especially if the aesthetics of those newer stem does not look good to you. Just go through eBay and do a search through stem brands like ITM or 3TTT and you should run into a few to choose from.....
Unless you jump curbs or pull on the bars like a big pro sprinter does, you really do not have to worry about a hinged stem's integrity, as long as you buy one that was produced by a reputable stem manufacturer like the two I mentioned. Just for you peace of mind, you could also do your own research on particular hinged stems that might have had problems and just avoid those.... I have one on my ALAN made by ITM presently, and it has not given me any problems since I built up thd bike with it about four years ago....

kenhawkeye

I only ever bought one of those NOS Almarc bars with leather already fitted. The detail wasn't etched in like previous 3ttt bars so I didn't consider them appropriate for an authentic build. However, I undid the stitching on one side, fitted the bar and re-sewed. There are plenty of good leather kits out there and since then I've covered vintage 3ttt and Cinelli bars successfully and IMHO better-looking than those NOS covered bars

artclone

Thanks. Didn’t realize the original Almarcs were stamped or etched.

I’ve seen the VO wrap for sale, what brand do you like?

kenhawkeye

Hopefully, this photo from Speedbicycles site will show engraved 3ttt bars fitted to a 1978 Bianchi with Almarc leathers. The NOS ones which have been sold for a few years, I think are mid to late eighties

artclone

Thanks.
Funny, that’s almost the bike I’m investigating the look for; mine is a 1980ish Bianchi Super Leggera that came with the same 3ttt/Almarc cockpit.

kenhawkeye

I had one of those too, great ride. This is the link for one in great condition Bianchi Superleggera 1979 - speedbicycles.com