thanks for the tip regarding the starbolt first. perhaps that's what's screwing it up. as far as you can tell, are the spacers not supposed to be able to move once the stem is tightened down?

Yeah, the bars are flip and chops. I have used them on all sorts of bikes and stems and never really had a problem, but yeah, maybe they are worn down and/or not providing the right type of surface to hold them still in the new/smooth faceplate.

****, these are my favorite bars. nice and narrow (38cm) and cut just the way i like. Any ideas for saving these/making them snug?

Thanks for your help.