Stem Slippage - Shim?
#1
Stem Slippage - Shim?
So my Bianchi has a newer stem than anything else, and I have a feeling the clamp size is too big for the bars.
The stem is a Cinelli that does not have a slit anywhere where it grabs around the bars. It is solid, and I'm not exactly sure how it operates.
Here's the history:
It's creaked ever since I got it, but didn't slip. I torqued down the clamp bolt pretty good to no avail so I took the stem out and cleaned/lubed the part that goes in the steerer tube, and loosened the clamp bolt and cleaned and lubed the bars.
There were some aluminum shavings on the bar before I cleaned it.
Now the bars won't stop rotating on me, even though the bolt is on very tight. It must be the wrong size clamp.
Now my question: what diameter are Mod Fiamme bars from the early 80s? Could I shim this with a soda can or an off the shelf shim somewhere?
The stem is a Cinelli that does not have a slit anywhere where it grabs around the bars. It is solid, and I'm not exactly sure how it operates.
Here's the history:
It's creaked ever since I got it, but didn't slip. I torqued down the clamp bolt pretty good to no avail so I took the stem out and cleaned/lubed the part that goes in the steerer tube, and loosened the clamp bolt and cleaned and lubed the bars.
There were some aluminum shavings on the bar before I cleaned it.
Now the bars won't stop rotating on me, even though the bolt is on very tight. It must be the wrong size clamp.
Now my question: what diameter are Mod Fiamme bars from the early 80s? Could I shim this with a soda can or an off the shelf shim somewhere?
Last edited by stien; 07-19-10 at 01:22 PM.
#2
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,258
Likes: 14
Sounds like you may have a Cinelli 1R stem. It is most likely 26.4. The bars you are using are 26.0. I would not recommend shimming. You may have cracked the wedge that acts as the clamping mechanism on the 1R, as well.
Is this the stem?
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Ita...Cinelli_1R.htm
Is this the stem?
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Ita...Cinelli_1R.htm
#3
You didn't post a photo, but I suspect the stem to which you are referring is like this one. 
It uses a bolt to press a ridged wedge against the stem. This stem is designed for bars with a 26.4mm diameter at the sleeve. If you're getting that much slippage your bars are probably 25.4mm instead of 26.0mm or 26.4mm.
I would think a shim of something .5mm thick would work, but I don't think an aluminum can is that thick. I suppose it couldn't hurt to try a shim (or doubled-up shim) of can or similar. "Mind you don't cut yourself, Mordecai."
It uses a bolt to press a ridged wedge against the stem. This stem is designed for bars with a 26.4mm diameter at the sleeve. If you're getting that much slippage your bars are probably 25.4mm instead of 26.0mm or 26.4mm.
I would think a shim of something .5mm thick would work, but I don't think an aluminum can is that thick. I suppose it couldn't hurt to try a shim (or doubled-up shim) of can or similar. "Mind you don't cut yourself, Mordecai."
#5
Those pics are spot on, thanks gents. I'll pull the bars out to check out the wedge next time I get a chance and I'm feeling ambitious. Thankfully it's not my only bike. It's a beautiful stem and an even more beautiful bike, I'd hate to have to change it out. It's probably the 26.0 in 26.4 because it's extremely close. I ride in the drops 95% of the time and it doesn't budge, only when I put a bunch of pressure on the hoods.
#6
Bianchi Goddess



Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28,962
Likes: 4,229
From: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
cleaned and lubed the bars? I never heard of lubing bars
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#9
Take the handlebar out of the stem and be sure that BOTH the wedge and the wedge nut are in correctly. They can be installed in such a way that the wedge moves forward, but not enough. Make sure they're in there the correct way.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sjpitts
Classic & Vintage
9
02-16-12 06:24 PM





