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Vintage steel

by Astley
Fri, Oct 04, 2019 17:26
11

My first post - I have just been given a vintage steel (Reynolds 531 frame and fork) cycle made by M Steel of Gosforth. One owner and in very nice condition but needs some replacement parts. I won't be doping this if the first question is negative - the handlebar is far too small in diameter for me at approximately 28mm in diameter  but the part that comes out of the headset and the handlebar stem is all one piece (Raleigh) and approximately 26mm in diameter.  Does this make it impossible to have a larger  handlebar? Thank you

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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11 comments

Avatar
Astley | 5 years ago
2 likes

Thank you all for your help; I'm now much better informed and have made an order. Astley

Avatar
Mybike | 5 years ago
0 likes

you can get a part that will convert the quell stem 1 inch to 1 1/8  so you can use a modern stem and bar   

https://www.amazon.ca/Profile-Design-Threadless-Size-Converter/dp/B0028N...

Avatar
Astley | 5 years ago
1 like

Thank you all for your words of wisdom. I'm a lot more informed now and happy to be able to make the change of handlebar. Much appreciated.

Avatar
Sriracha | 5 years ago
0 likes

Or any of these quill stems that do take wider diameter handlebars:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?term=Quill

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CyclingInBeastMode replied to Sriracha | 5 years ago
0 likes

Sriracha wrote:

Or any of these quill stems that do take wider diameter handlebars: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?term=Quill

Actually they don't, the Humperts have a wider shaft, they are for 1 1/8" quill headsets not 1 1/8" bar width, the bar clamp on all those stems is 25.4 or 26mm which is essentially what the OP has, 22.2mm is the nominal clamp diameter where the brake lever would fit and up until the bulge in the centre where the stem clamp is that is 25.4/26mm but isn't in this case as it's a one piece unit.

If you really want to increase the size to the modern standard (or oversize as it was referred to when transitioning from the 26mm road standard) then you need one of these. This has a 1" quill but a 31.8mm bar clamp diameter thus enabling any of the modern bar types (obvs excluding the 35mm jobs) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Velo-Orange-STEEL-1-Quill-Handlebar-Stem-with...

The quill to ahead convertor is the cheapest option but isn't the most aesthetically pleasing solution. I swapped out the 1" threaded and went aheadset route, sure you need replacement forks too but unless your frame is really rare finding suitable 1" threadless forks isn't too difficult still and all you need is a 1 1/8 stem and a proper shim (these used to come in the box with ahead stems when the new standard came in).

Avatar
Sriracha replied to CyclingInBeastMode | 5 years ago
0 likes
CyclingInBeastMode wrote:

Sriracha wrote:

Or any of these quill stems that do take wider diameter handlebars: https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?term=Quill

Actually they don't, the Humperts have a wider shaft, they are for 1 1/8" quill headsets not 1 1/8" bar width, the bar clamp on all those stems is 25.4 or 26mm which is essentially what the OP has, 22.2mm is the nominal clamp diameter where the brake lever would fit and up until the bulge in the centre where the stem clamp is that is 25.4/26mm but isn't in this case as it's a one piece unit.

If you really want to increase the size to the modern standard (or oversize as it was referred to when transitioning from the 26mm road standard) then you need one of these. This has a 1" quill but a 31.8mm bar clamp diameter thus enabling any of the modern bar types (obvs excluding the 35mm jobs) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Velo-Orange-STEEL-1-Quill-Handlebar-Stem-with...

The quill to ahead convertor is the cheapest option but isn't the most aesthetically pleasing solution. I swapped out the 1" threaded and went aheadset route, sure you need replacement forks too but unless your frame is really rare finding suitable 1" threadless forks isn't too difficult still and all you need is a 1 1/8 stem and a proper shim (these used to come in the box with ahead stems when the new standard came in).

Did you mean like these ones?
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/search/?term=quill&clamp_diameter=31%2E8

Or are you saying the OP also needs a narrower quill shaft?
http://www.perthvintagecycles.com/2017/03/quill-stem-with-318mm-clamp.ht...

Avatar
racyrich | 5 years ago
0 likes

Sounds like you need one of these

 

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/stems/protec-ahead-converter/

 

Avatar
ktache | 5 years ago
2 likes

Can you double wrap it or add some of those gel pads to make it a little larger?

Avatar
Boatsie | 5 years ago
2 likes

Using vinegar to bath rusty parts in works. Soak 24 hours then wire brush the metal. Comes out shiney but if pitted it will still be pitted. Just writing because a wiseman showed me this and I'm hoping to restore an old bike soon.
I haven't a clue regarding the handlebars nor headstem. Best luck bro

Avatar
mike the bike | 5 years ago
0 likes

 

Most one-piece steerer/stems are based on the the old 1 inch diameter 'quill' design ( hence your 26mm ) and are not now common.  Pity really 'cause they had a definite style .....

There is a certain type of rider who still loves this sort of thing and you could try velosolo.co.uk, who may be able to help.

Avatar
Astley | 5 years ago
0 likes

Sorry for a couple of errors. The handlebar is 22mm

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