Chabi Boni

I have a Cannondale Bad Boy which I believe comes with a 31.8 diameter flatbar. I would like to change it to something more like a BMX handlebar, because it will provide a lot more rise. Before knowing that there were substantial differences in diameters, I got a BMX bar which I thing may be a 22mm bar. I don't think a shim would be prudent here, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how I could do this. Are there BMX clamps that will work on a mountain bike setup like the bad boy? Alternatively, are there any, more professional "tubes" for lack of a better word that could serve as a shim here?

On the other hand, are there any BMX style bars that could fit a 31.8 mm bar?

I suspect I will get some flack on the stupidity of my predicament, but any positive input would be greatly appreciated.

mtbabruni

Correct me if im wrong. But cant he just slap on a BMX stem and put bars on?

MY26INCHCRUISER

Why would you want to do that

fuzzbox

Get a race stem or something like that. Looks like a mtb stem for the most part. It is a 1-1/8 it will work.

FuzzyRyder

yeah the fork steerer should be standard size, just swap to a bmx stem.

bmxkidinTexas

If its the type of bike im thinking(road bike) its hell on your back bending over for the handle bars all the time, i was going to do this mod to my Gicante when i have to replace my stem.

Chabi Boni

Ha! Well, mainly beucase the bike is a little small for me, I am using it for a commuter, and the BMX handle mbars make so much sense. It allows me to sit up straight (which is important as i am riding about 15 miles a day), and, as a guy who is 6'1" and 235 lbs, nothing is more durable than a BMX setup in my mind.

Finally, how awesome would it be to have a full sized comfort bike that still looked like a BMX? In a land of single speed hipster kids, I would be happy to stand out a little.

markpemble

This is the way of the future. Drop down bars are really not functional with commuting or casual cycling.
I recently put BMX bars on my single speed commuter bike. I will never go back.

dabac

Sitting straight up is generally not such a hot idea for longer rides as it puts more weight on your butt and makes it more difficult pedal effectively.
And increases air drag.

Seems like the Bad boy is listed as having an 1 1/8" steerer, which would make swapping in another stem with the bar clamp diameter of your choice easy.
Although I wouldn't hesitate to use shims.
Should be something on this list that'll work:https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...ebar+shim+31.8

curbtender

https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Mountain...MS013M7W1JQFRD
You will probably need longer cables also.

jan230

My '90's Giant mtb with 9 inch bmx bars
I needed a stem adapter but all you need is a bmx stem, bars and longer cables.
I'm looking for some low rise (4-5 inch) bars but they are hard to find.

fietsbob

your bar is the newer oversize, 31.8 is 1.25" essentially.. BMX bars are 7/8" tube at the clamp (& all the tubing) 22.2 mm

Machined shims are made you want one with a 22.2 inside and a 31.8 outside to continue using the stem you have..

the difference, in radius , so machined shim thickness is 4.775 mm [1/2 9.55.. in combined difference of 2 diameters..]

Rajflyboy

Kai Kai

I used be a BMX rider exclusively. Now that I'm older, I got a Cannondale Bad boy 1 recently. Then...I see your post. You might have tickled something in me.

josh672@l

It's all about ride position and ergos. Bmx bars are great for a more upright riding position.

On a freewheel bike it is nice to be able to stand on your pedals and be able to stand up straight. To do this your crank arms would be parallel to the ground. One foot in front and one in back. For this, I prefer tall bars, up to 9 inch rise.

On a fixed gear when you stand on your pedals they are moving with means at your lowest point you are dropping down six inches because your standing on your down pedal and bending your leg on the top pedal, rising up to that horizontal crank position, and repeating on the other side. Average riding position about 3 inches lower than a standing coast. For this reason up to six inch rise handlebars are good for an upright riding position on a fixie.

Standard bmx bars clamp at 22.2mm for which many bmx stems are available. Aluminum bmx bars such as elevn or box have a clamp at 31.8mm for which your stem will work but they usually pitch too far forward. Truvativ Husselfelt stems are great and are cheaper then the box or elevn stems. The aluminum bars are rated to support a lower weight but they are rated for doing stunts and jumps, for commuting or track riding they support an adult just fine. I prefer these because bmx bars are a lot of metal and the aluminum add a lot less weight than the steel.

Sorry for rambling, but I tend to over analyze things. Anyway, I hope that helps.

tds101 

Necro thread,...no ones watching ('cept me, by accident)

josh672@l

Most threads on this forum are long since dead

Swampthing 

It was a useful thought. And something I’m looking to do.
Some aluminum 5 or 6” BMX bars would be perfect on this.

tds101 

Wrong, but what would you know?

Ironfish653

I did something similar with an old KLEIN MTB I picked up over the summer: I actually used bars for a 150-cc class MX bike. (7/8" moto bars are 22.2mm ) I wanted mid-rise, a crossbar, and a color other than black or silver. I also used a quill-to-1-1/8 adapter, since the bike has a 1" headset, which opened up a lot more options for the stem, in my case, a 50mm 'Top-loader' with a 22.2 clamp

Makes for a very fun bike to ride!

josh672@l

Are you going to inform the other guy who just posted here that this thread is dead, or were you on my nuts for an undisclosed reason?

tds101 

I'm going to respond again because your pathetic orifice smelling self quoted me again,... Especially since I had been humourous originally. How dem nutz taste?

josh672@l

well, you made that weird..

tds101 

Uh, yeah, I made that weird,...

Chuck Naill

We forget upon joining that a newer member might have similar questions we have long since had answered and will, through no fault of their own, reply. I have oft benefitted from old posts. Perhaps the members offended have their bike shorts on too tight...LOL!!