Bars and chain advice needed
 

I have been riding my bike ('88 Bianchi Trofeo) on and off since I bought it last year. I would like to start riding more often, and would like to work on the fit a little bit. I always feel like my arms are "too far in" so I measured my bars and there 42cm. I did a search and one thing I read said to measure from the center of your shoulders, and I got 46cm! I would like to buy some new bars and have been looking at the Deda RHM 01 or the Deda RHM 02 Bars (I think the only difference is the 02's are a little lighter) but they say they are 31.7mm when most stuff is 31.8mm, do I have to buy a Deda stem (like this one)thats 31.7 or does that small difference not matter? As for the chain, I'd like to get a new one as the one on it was on there from the guy I bought it from and I'm worried about it stretching and wearing out the gears. It has a 7 speed group on the back (freewheel I think) I'm looking at the "Sram 8 Spd PC850 Chain" is that a good one, and is the PC870 worth the extra money??

I have to think on a small budget unfortunately. :/
Anyway, thanks in advance!

I think that you are a great candidate for a visit to a quality local bike shop and let them work you through fitting issues. I am not sure about putting an 8 speed chain on your 7 speed drive train. Is this even an indexed shifting system?

An 8-speed chain will work with no problems on a 7-speed drivetrain. Still, I'd suggest investing in a chain wear measuring tool so you'll know exactly when your chain needs to be replaced.

About handlebars, Deda have the same diameter as the other manufacturers and it's around 31.75. The difference is just that Deda round down and the others round up. There's a different thing though - I'm guessing you're looking into Deda because they seem to have 46cm wide handlebars. If so, keep in mind that Deda measure outside to outside, so their 46cm is the same width as, for example, 3T's 44cm.

kmc does a 7 spead I think. They make very good chains.

A lot of chains for lower speed bikes are now listed as 5-8sp, meaning they are an 8sp chain. So you should be fine with one. I also prefer KMC to SRAM, but 8 speed chains are typically pretty durable so you should be good with either. Just make sure you cut it to the right length and keep it lubed.

As you go up in level of chain they get a little lighter and often get better plating. I'm guessing the weight difference won't matter to you but you may want something with a better finish if you ride in the wet.

The RHM 02 has flattened tops, which were actually very comfortable (I put them on a bike I built for my brother, and now I want a set for me). The RHM 01 did not. If you are really on a tight budget, Ribble seems to have some of the best prices on Deda stuff. I didn't look at the numbers, but my recollection is that they are a very short and shallow bar.

Thanks, I think I'm going to order the tool and check it, then buy a chain if I need it.

Sram should put something to that effect on their site, as for right now it just some copy paste thing that doesn't help the less informed like myself,lol.

Thanks for the tip, I think I'm going to go for the 02 as its only a couple of dollars more and seems like it might be worth it.

edit:
What are peoples thoughts on adjustable stems? My cousin is going to buy one because he has back problems and isn't always feeling up to being so low. Other than the added weight, what are the downsides to them? Also anyone know of a white adjustable stem? (for my cousin so it matches his bike...or potential bike anyway)

OP, with your bike being an 88, I'm guessing you have a quill stem with a 26.0 diameter.

If you want Deda bars with a 31.7 diameter, you'll need a new stem, plus an adapter to work with the fork.

Spend time to re-think and re-measure. 46 bars are big! Unless you are a very large person with wide shoulders, you likely didn't measure properly. Try measuring from the indented socket part of your shoulders and look online for some better explanation and/or diagrams.

Also that bar and stem cost more than your bike is worth. That's not a wide investment. Plus you are getting a set-up that doesn't work with your quill stem. So you need an adapter.

I would spend more time looking and find out what size you really need. Then buy something used on CL and get more experience. But if you decide on keeping yor current bike, get less expensive bars and stem. Use the savings towards a better bike for the future.

I am not a small guy (~5'11", ~245lb),and after watching this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clskb8I9-j0) and reading this (http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/12/28/...ar-size-shape/) the deda 46cm (ouside to outside) is actualy right...or small if you add 2cm like the vid says.
The stem, bars, adapter, and new tape will cost me ~$70 USD shipped from ribble. Are you saying my bike is not even worth $70?

At a little under 6 foot, I'm surprised you need that wide a bar. 46 is about the largest common size many places carry. Search and you'll find other ways to measure. Most people concerned about speed go narrow because you reduce aero drag with your hands and arms closer together. Too wide you are are like a kite.

That's a great price on those bars and stem. The list is close to $250 plus tax and the adapter.