phatjo911

Hi, I own a 1999 Raleigh R600 that I picked up a few weeks ago off of craigslist.

It's a creamish color, aluminum frame... but anyways;

I don't really like the look of the original handlebars, and would like either a "compact" bar or one with angled drops.

Here's what I mean

Compact Bar (FSA Omega Shallow Drop Bars)


Bar with Angled Drops (Ignore the tri bar add ons)


Now the problem is, most of the new bars have a clamp diameter of 31.8mm, while I think my bike takes the older version of 26mm.

I'm going to go to a used bike store near me to check out what they have.

But if I end up going with newer bars, what will I need?
-1" Quill to 1 1/8" Threadless Adapter
-Stem
-New Bar! (+Tape)

Is that all?

Can anyone recommend some 26mm drop bars that look like either of the ones I posted? Thanks! (long first post_)

P.S.

I like these also (I think this one could possibly be a 26mm?)

VoodooChi|d

Yes, I'm doing the exact same thing right now with the FSA Omega Compacts.

Total cost for the stem adaptor, stem, handlebars, and tape came out to about $70.

phatjo911

I heard that some people think stem adapters are too flexy.

I don't necessarily see why this would be the case,
Are yours too flexy? What adapter did you go with?

VoodooChi|d

Only the stem adaptor has arrived, the other parts are in the mail, but it doesn't seem flexy at all. I went with the Profile Design one.

halfspeed

I think you're confused. I can't make out what you have and what you think you have. I suggest a trip to the LBS.

phatjo911

Yes, that pretty much sums up my situation. I will try to go to my local store and/or used shop, but that'll be in around 3 days when I have free time.

mrvile

Also I would like to point out that it isn't the wisest thing to choose a handlebar based on how it looks...

phatjo911

OK, so I just measured my handlebars, and the part of the handlebar around where the stem clamps on to it is 26mm in diameter.

Do they even make handlebars in this size anymore? I'm probably looking to buy it used, are these readily available used?

VoodooChi|d

I dont think you're confused. You have a bike with a threaded quill stem and that integrated stem has a 26mm diameter handlebar clamp. The move these days is towards the oversized (31.8mm) handlebars like the FSA Omega Compact.

All my parts (1" threaded to 1 1/8" threadless stem adaptor, 31.8mm stem, FSA Omega Compact handlebar, and Fizik grip tape) arrived and are installed.

Here's the before...


And the after...

halfspeed

Yes. And are you sure they aren't 25.4mm?

phatjo911

[QUOTE=VoodooChi|d;10933058]I dont think you're confused. You have a bike with a threaded quill stem and that integrated stem has a 26mm diameter handlebar clamp. The move these days is towards the oversized (31.8mm) handlebars like the FSA Omega Compact.

All my parts (1" threaded to 1 1/8" threadless stem adaptor, 31.8mm stem, FSA Omega Compact handlebar, and Fizik grip tape) arrived and are installed.


Nice bike! Care to post some more pictures of the FSA Omega Compact that have the whole bike in them?

Also, @ halfspeed: No I am not sure, and you bring up a good point.

mike868y

There are a bunch here: https://www.google.com/products?hl=en...ed=0CDMQrQQwAg

VoodooChi|d

I'll try to clean it up and take a pic tomorrow.