In order to avoid having to remove handlebars like this:



I made an executive decision to convert to a threadless stem. "Executive decision" means I knew it was probably a bad idea, but I wanted to do it anyway.

The advantages are that future handlebar removals will be easier, I'm now able to use modern handlebars (e.g. 31.8 mm) and modern stems, and depending on one's perspective, it looks a little better.

The disadvantages are that the new system weighs slightly more (50 g), and I spent more time than I every would have changing handlebars.

I started with this adapter and a stem that I had in my bike box.

Here's the before shot:



Here's the after shot, before taping:



And here are the final shots: