ty77064

Besides the diameter size, what's the difference between 26mm and 31.8mm? Is the 31.8mm more comfortable because its thicker? Which is more common?

hmai18

As far as I've seen, only the area that gets clamped in the stem is 31.8mm and tapers down to 26mm for the rest of the bar.

Increased rigidity perhaps? It's also easier to mount things to a bar that's 26mm throughout its entire length instead of having to deal with the taper from the stem area to the rest of the bar.

jhglaw

The 31.8 bar is wider only where the stem clamps it. The forward portion of the stem is of course the same wider 31.8. The purpose is to make the bar/stem connection more rigid so the bars will flex less when the rider is pulling hard on the bars.

ty77064

So which is better?

operator

I'd stuck with 26 since almost all the mounts on my accessories don't suppor the fatter bars.

johnny99

Depends on the particular product. There are some theoretical advantages, but those really only apply to superlight, super-expensive products. For heavy Taiwan products, there is likely no difference except maybe for price.

ty77064

Thanks guys!