more Bromp-type M-type handlebar mods out there?
 

hi all, well as per the previous thread, the new merc is coming along. Maranen, EvilV and LittlePixel have been great mentors.

However, I was wondering whether there were any other mods to the M-type-type handlebar besides theirs? I don't really like the m-type bars themselves, and before I get an S-type stem - not cheap - I was wondering if any other mods could be recommended.

Use the same stem but with a normal hybrid 'riser' bar maybe? You'll probably still have to make a Littlepixel™ stem QR clip as the bars won't fold flush with the wheel like the 'M' bars do but you'll get a slightly lower bar with more comfort because of the more anotomical curves of the bar. (M-type bars are function over form - they're designed with folding neatly taking precedent over decent comfort)

This fix would also likely work with moustache bars or cruiser 'north road' type bars. An 'S' Type stem is a bit taller and curves forward slightly so combining a good bar choice with one may be the best fix in the long run.

Hi gringo_gus,

What exactly you don't like about the M-bar? Shape? Too narrow/little space? I don't know about the mods from Maranen or EvilV. The m-stem is very low, so a flat bar will probably be too low. For modifications the s-stem is the best because you get reasonable hight with that stem. But here some ideas for m-stem if you like:
What you could do is, fit a riser-bar with less (the m-bar has 13cm rise) but still quite a lot rise and so have the bar a little lower. (eg. NS-District high rise bar has 8,5cm rise). That will give you a lower and wider bar.
http://wos-shop.de/product_info.php/...4c8330c58f1e04
Combine the Aberhallo-clamp with a moderate riser.(Like littlepixels mod. but you would need a higher(=riser)bar and you don't need to have a quick release if you have the clamp upwards instead of forwards).

Like some front suspension? You can get the "POST MODERNE Suspension seat pillar" used as Handlebar suspension (needs cutting the stem and if done by Steve Parry probably not cheap). Or without cutting needed but a little heavier a suspension-stem-extension made in Switzerland. I only know a german dealer who sells those - will give you about ~6cm rise.
http://www.faltrad-direktor.de/faltr...pen/index.html

What I was wondering: what about cutting the stem and fitting a modified Thudbuster S-Typ (short version) with the softest elastomer available from Cane Creek as a front parallelogram suspension. Folding should be no problem. Anybody idea if this could work?

Ups LittlePixel was faster ;-)

Here is an old thread that might give some useful information. http://stein.dommel.be/brompton/chap....html#rotating Check the title “Alternative handlebars”. Under the title “Rotating the handlebars” is info about using the quick release. I have read somewhere that the use of handlebar quick release might arise a safety issue, but at least this guy has used it for years: http://74.125.39.104/search?q=cache:...lnk&cd=1&gl=fi
You can find a lot of information applicable to Merc in Brompton threads.

Hi guys from London! i was wondering if anyone of you can help me with my doubt! i got a S- type handlebar and recently i bought a M-type and obviously i want to change it ,but as stupid as sounds, i don't know how to do it. i don't want to change the stem for an other one, just i want to replace the handlebar, does it.
Thanks!

Not as easy as you think. Installing the M bar can be done, but then you can not fold the bike. Try to fold the bike as it is now. Then hold the M bar close to the bike with the clamping area (the thicker part in the middle of the bar) exactely on top of the clamping area of the S bar. No place for the M bar without hitting the floor or messing up the fold one way or another right?

These are made to go in a modified 1.125" steel steerer tube, offers a quick height adjustment.
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/satori-ha...ser-prod23752/

one needs a shop to behead the Brompton riser, and accurately weld on the equivalent
of a threadless fork steerer tube of steel, that gets slotted to be compressed in the clamp
of this thing.
.. then takes a common threadless stem to fit your bars

What are you saying here? A picture would be good. Apart from cutting off the top with the clamp of the B stem, how do you fit that gadget from SJS? A threadless stem added to this stemriser would increase the reach and the fold but for some that could for sure be better than increasing the price w £ 100-150 for a new stem. I have been thinking of doing like that german (or dutch?) shop is doing, cut of the top and insert a "dutch type" tall stem w clamp and slot but my M stem is not the best for this, I suspect they use a S for this but I could be wrong.

I could cut of the top of a MTB threadless fork that is going into the dumpster soon. Is it going to fit on the outside of the stem? I would not be comfortable with it just welded end to end. then this thing on top plus a threadless stem. Can be done but I would like to see a picture first. Anybody here that can tell us about this solution or the other one I mentioned? Is the 1" stem going to fit perfectly into the B stem once you cut off the top and make the slot? http://www.eerdermetaal.nl/telescopische_stuurpen.html

Edit: More options here: http://www.practicalcycles.com/userimages/procart23.htm especially the one almost at the bottom. Less weight and added reach but not adjustable. Has to be made right at first attempt.

Can anybody tell me the innside diameter of a chopped off B stem??

Check out my old Brompton Mod thread here - I have modified my wife's and son's Bromptons as well since.
Brompton Mods

Access to a machine shop would be good, there, get things to 'telescope'
into each other,
with a bit of lathe work, before fusing the components together ..

[Estate Sale got my father's home shop, ... so I have to fallback
on the basic 'how to' (machine practices and techniques)
without being able to have actually done this exact job] ..