LoFo

Hello all,

Purchased a Kilo TT Pro earlier this year. So far, I am quite happy but I have already started to make some changes. The stock seat post was replaced with a Shimano DuraAce 7400. The saddle is now a Brooks Cambium C17. Pedals are now MKS BM-7’s. And the handlebars are some random mini-bullhorns that my LBS threw on there for the time being for free – I hated the stock drops (see thumbs below).

Next, I’d like to replace the headset, stem, and handlebars. Please let me know what you think of these parts. I've done a bunch of research (on these forums and elsewhere) but I don't have much experience and I would like to hear your opinions. Are these selections good/bad/fugly but most importantly, compatible with my frame and fork?

Headset: Cane Creek 100 Classic 1" Threadless Silver Headset
Cane Creek 100 Classic 1" Threadless Silver Headset | Bikewagon.com
Stem: VO Tall-Stack Stem 31.8, 1-1/8" (Recommendations here 80, 90, 100, 110mm?)
VO Tall-Stack Stem 31.8, 1-1/8"
Handlebars (Option1): VO Montmartre Handlebar
VO Montmartre Handlebar - Handlebars - Components
Handlebars (Option1): VO Belleville Handlebar
VO Belleville Handlebar - Handlebars - Components

As you may have guessed, this bike is for short distances and casual riding. For this reason, I’m going for a more upright ride with about zero saddle-to-bars drop. I plan to wrap the new bars in Brooks Cambium tape and may change out the stock levers if necessary.

Please let me know your thoughts. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

SquidPuppet

That stem is too big for your fork. The stem has a steerer clamp diameter of 1-1/8 inch. Your fork steerer is only 1 inch outside diameter.

You need to find a stem that has a 1 inch steerer clamp and a 1 inch (25.4mm) handlebar clamp if you want to run those bars.

Nobody should make any recommendations to you about stem extension length because we can't feel what you are feeling with regard to fit. Especially with such a drastic change in bar type and height. You will have to figure that out on your own. Unfortunately it's a trial and error thing.

acoustophile

or get a shim for both

Nordo

Just curious what size your frame is. The proportions of the bike just look right.

johnnytheboy

i think that's waaaaay too much stack height below the stem for the amount of seatpost showing.

hairnet

Why do you want to replace the headset? You won't gain any kind of performance and for that money you can get a Chris King, for style points.

SquidPuppet

True, true. I'm just anti-shim.

LoFo

Thanks, this bike is 53cm (but these frames have particular sizing).

Oops, I overlooked that... my mistake. Any recommendations for a 1-inch clean, quill-looking stem in silver?
You also mention that you're anti-shim. Is this because it looks bad or for functional reasons?
P.S. I checked out your pedalroom page. Very nice collection man! I really like the look and posture of Caramel Coaster.

Maybe my LBS will take some time to let me try out a couple stems for comfort. Thanks for the advice!

This is how the bike came. I have not adjusted the stem setup -- I only swapped out the stock drops. I realize the Kilo may have trackish geometry but I am not going for an aggressive seat-to-bars posture -- quite the opposite actually.

I will admit, this is mostly an aesthetic choice. I really do not like the look of my current headset and stem. I don't need to spend well over $100 on a super-fancy headset.

Any recommendations guys?

Zoroman

Yea, you need to ride it and determine how the height ratio and distance from seat to handlebars feels (and with your Bike Shop help, hopefully).


How does it feel NOW? Raising and lowering your seat and handlebar heights is really easy and I urge you to do some of this as next step.


Do you know how to adjust your seat for proper height to your pedals? That is STEP ONE.


That setting of your seat height remains constant.


Then you can raise and lower your stem height and I suggest you go higher from where you are now. See of you like that.

Zoroman

It seems you need to look at some on some BIKES at the local Bike shop, and then, armed with a bit more knowledge, go online and do some shopping.


I replaced my quill and handlebars recently and did it all on-line based on aesthetically what I liked.


I went with a Nitto quill and a Pista handlebar. They come in 1 inch. (But I like drop bars so what I like or recommend is, from what you wrote already, not what you like.

SquidPuppet

Unfortunately, I can't think of any. I ran into the same problem with my chartreuse bike.


Mostly because I'm anal. Shims can work well enough, I just prefer finding matching components because in my head they work better.

Thanks

Cane Creek makes the 40 series, still good but much less expensive. There are some good generics out there too.

AristoNYC

you can go with this headset too
https://www.retro-gression.com/colle...adless-headset

Nordo

Is it possible to cut threads on your steering tube so a threaded headset could be used? If that would work you could use a quill stem. The steering tube is a 1", so maybe?

I'll go back to my corner now...

LoFo

I have read mixed opinions on doing this. But I realize it would give me the option to use quill stems. I am willing to consider this option but someone with a recent (same specs) Kilo TT Pro 53cm may have to weigh in here. The bike is new and came assembled so I have never seen the steerer tube.
Also, I am in Miami... Not sure where I could go and have this done.

LoFo

Thanks for the advice -- This price is reasonable but I only find the 40 series in black. I'll keep looking.


Thanks. I had seen these and I find them to be among the best looking for under $100.

IAmSam

Sorry to be blunt but it is obvious you don't know what you are doing...

Get yourself and your bike to Bike Nerds - they are the best sw8 phiksie shop in Miami-Dade and are nice guys. They can help you.

Good luck...

LoFo

No offense taken, man! I really don't know what I'm doing -- That's why I'm here asking (no͞ob) questions.

It's a bit of a schlep from Brickell but I will swing by on my day off. Thanks for the recommendation!