Originally Posted by
robertkat
I searched but this stupid new forum layout is not helpful. Anyhow, I need some help on stem to bar clamp sizing. I have a very nice old Cinelli bar I want to put on one of my bikes but I'm having a hell of a time finding a stem in the length I need that has a quill that isn't stupid short. The bar is a Cinelli "Giro D'Italia" 64-42. I have found a very nice old Nitto "Pearl" stem that is listed as 26 clamp. Will the Cinelli 26.4 be ok in the Nitto stem? I'm not too familiar with Nitto stems but it looks nearly identical to the Cinelli stem I have that's too short. Or should I be safe and correct and hold out until I find what I need?
I've wrestled with this one several times now. Basically, it is hard but not impossible to force s 26.0 Nitto stem open enough to load in a 26.4 Cinelli (or the rare old Ambrosio) bar. But the right fit for the old Cinelli bar really is the Cinelli stem, and I second staying with the 1A model. Loads of them on Ebay if not at the new sellers, and how can you beat that classic shape?
If you need a stem that is not stupid short (assume here you mean a Cinelli, Pearl, 3TTT, or Modolo) you're about out of luck to use a vintage Cinelli bar. Again it can be forced to fit, but there may be breakage. Available stems that are taller than the Pearl style include the Technomic Deluxe (roughly 4 cm taller than a Pearl) or the Technomic ( a towering 10+ cm taller than a Pearl). Both of these are available in a wide range of extensions, and with 25.4 or 26.0 clamps. For these stems I'd buy a 25.4 or 26.0 bar, Nitto, modern Cinelli, 3TTT, Modolo, or whatever suits your hands, and have a proper clamp fit. It will go together better and easier, too.