I'm looking around for a new handlebar but am having ridiculous difficulty finding one that isn't for OS stems ... so I was wondering what if I just get a bar that's normal diameter and 31.8mm in the middle, and a matching OS stem also? What's the practical difference between a regular-sized and an oversize setup?

6.4 mm?

You could buy one of the many 25.4 bars like these:

https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...p?category=516

Or get a shim set:

https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...?category=1725

The difference is only in the middle (clamping) section. The rest of the bars' dia. is the same to accommodate standardized brake/shifter/grip dimensions.

smart a $$

yeah, i know about my options .. but what is the practical difference? like does it affect performance or anything?

practically? probably nothing really. nothing you'll notice. i always liked the way they look.

Thanks. I was hoping that was all. Question answered! Thanks everybody

Keep in mind that the oversize are in most cases gonna be stronger in that clamp area.

Ditto.

well im not doing any aggressive AM or DH stuff... just trails and XC-type riding. but stronger is better, and i dont really care too much about weight differences between the two, so sounds like 31.8 is the way to go. kewwwwwllll

i would have to agree...along with a hydraulic brake upgrade.

whats so great about hydraulic brakes though? if i upgraded to disc brakes, which ive been considering with considerable consideration, i think i would like mechanical. if they break or something out in the woods then at least i can work on them, whereas (i would imagine) a failure with hydraulic brakes would leave me essentially brakeless. maybe im just being naive, though, because i havent done my homework on the pros & cons of hydraulic over mechanical.

mx

you are over thinking it. just get hydraulic, you won't regret it.

myth busters: hydraulic brakes don't spontaneously self destruct miles away from home. should they blow up unexpectedly, at least you have a front and a rear. what are the chances of BOTH exploding? are you going to carry two cables with you to fix a cable brake?

Ahhhh, but if you crash into an unexpected swimming pool and brake fluid starts leaking, the resultant mixing of pool chlorine and and brake fluid could spontaneously combust (and burn up your forks if they have magnesium lowers).

You know, the man holds an excellent point. I personally have come across many a swimming pool trap on my trail journeys.

You can use tree sap, or water from your camelbak, or worst case.. just pee in the reservoir.

...really?

you mean to say that it's never happened to you?

Yeah, cummon DasProffezional, real men ride trails that have hidden swimming pools.

If you don't ride in mud bogs and don't do DHs, then hydraulic disks are a waste of money. Unnecessary weight complication and cost.

Besides, V-brakes are swimming pool certified.

I killed a lion with my winky once, but I never rode into a swimming pool.