So, I've got a GB Hiduminium spearpoint stem, stuck on some really nice Maes pattern GB bars. I just can't get it round the end of the curve. What do I do? I really don't want to destroy anything!

could be impossible?

Theoretically, it went on there once. Right? So surely it MUST be possible to remove?

Sammy,

I would use a large screw driver to spread the stem opening wider.

Also, the angle may be an issue, for example, try the opening in the stem toward the inside of the curve then the outside of the curve, one may work better than the other.

Good luck!

I've used Darwin's technique of spreading the stem opening as much as possible with any sort of flat steel tool. I've also found that if I can spread the opening while I'm pulling the bars through or rotating the stem around the bars, I can avoid scratching things up much better. That takes a bit of juggling, however.

Neal

Unscrew the bolt, insert a small coin between the gap in the stem and gently screw the bolt back in. Should spread the gap far enough to get the bars through.

If there's only threading on one side of the gap, uncrew the bolt completely pull it through and thread it into the threaded side (so it will protrude into the unthreaded side). Insert coin and do same trick.

So, Sammyboy, did it work?
I got exactly the same problem with a GB Spearpoint and GB Maes bars.
Also a similar with GB Spearpoint and Stratalite Maes bars!

oh got some old gb stems in one of my big box of stems.
no use to me.
got some itm and sr stems there too.

When I was a kid I had a viking racer. It had a gb stem on it.
I was adjusting the weimmann brakes. Out testing it.
Pulled a big endo. I nearly hit the stem with my woss names....
learned how to modulate brakes then eased off the front brake. got the back down a bit.
Managed to brake the brake spindle later that day...nearly hit me in the face it did

How far can one spread the stem clamp without compromising its integrity? I have nitto moustache bars (26.0) on a french stem (23.5, 25.0?). They did not want to go on the stem, but the flat screw driver and I made a persuasive argument. However, I found that I had to use a longer clamp bolt and I am now wondering if I have spread the clamp beyond what it will tolerate.

Same thought occurred to me while removing one set of alloy bars off of a steel stem.
Came off OK, but I reckon steel has more leeway than an alloy might.

I have been riding the moustache/french stem setup for a couple of months now with no negative consequences. Will an alloy stem "break clean" or snap, or will it crack and show some other indications that the size combination is truly incompatible? Sure, if I were really worried I would have changed things out already, but I like the stem: its a nice long one with a short reach.

Any other comments would be appreciated.

This is the pro way to do it. Moots actually recommends this for their stems and seatposts.