Shimming handle bars/stem?
 

i have a set of bars i want to use on a project, and after some searching, i found a stem in the length i want i.e. long, 130mm. the clamp is too big for the bars. i want to hear ideas from C'n'V'ers for shimming this combo...i have my own ideas, but i'm wondering if anybody has ever come up with really good ideas.

anybody?

Depends on the parts you found. If the stem is 26.0 and the 'bar is 25.4, Nitto sells a shim exactly made to solve this problem, and it should be a trouble-free solution. If the stem is a vintage Cinelli or some other Italians, it could be 26.4, in which case you're on your own to select the best shim thickness and material. If it's too thin or too soft, the stem could be overtightened or not be able to prevent slip.

I've used shims on seatpost/frame interfaces, but not (yet) on 'bar/stem. I have used a 26.0 stem with a 25.4 bar without a shim, and it did not prove to be a good idea. No catastrophic failures and no crash, but also the stem did not hold the 'bar in place. I had to get a set that matched.

Post what you have. Someone here will probably offer to sell you what you're missing.

I've used a Nitto shim and it works great. The sides of the shim can be trimmed so it doesn't show.

My 3 speed Carlton has a soda can shim. It has held just fine, but the bike is a cruiser and doesn't get much pressure on the bars.

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/26...600x600Q85.jpg

a double layer of vegetable can lid shims and she's holding firm-- thanx guys!!

Beer cans have many uses. I have shimmed stem to bars.