I've recently purchased my bike and I've been looking at riser or straightbars online and it seems that all the ones i like have a 31.8 mm clamp size. My current stem has a 26 mm clamp and i find it hard to find handlebars that i like and fit that clamp. It seems like i would have to change the stem and I'm OK with that. The current specs on my stem are 1 1/8'' Forged Alloy, 26 mm/90 mm extension. Any suggestions? what stems do you guys recommend? same with the handlebars. besides handlebar selection what are the advantages in changing my clamp size? Sorry if i sound stupid i'm new to this and couldn't find much searching the forum. Thanks.

As you've noticed, your selection of handlebars greatly increases in the 31.8 clamp size. I would visit a local bike shop with good selection of bars and have them help you find a 31.8 stem/bar combo that'll work for you.

I recently figured all this out the hard way after buying a set of 26mm bars (previously using a 25.4mm bar) not realizing stem choices are somewhat limited but luckily I was able to find a good deal on one that works. If I did it all over I would've switched to 31.8 when buying new bars.

Thanks for the feedback. It looks like going with a larger clamp is the way to go.