ontopcop

I rode my newly aquired folder (Batavus Intercycle folding bike ) up to my LBS to purchase a new seat and handle bars. Turns out my the bars on my bike are 24.5mm, the mechanic checks his parts book and finds no 24.5mm bars,. He suggested I buy 22.2mm bars and make 1/2mm shims.
Does anyone know of a source for 24.5mm bars?
I did attempt to get on Batavus website, but the US site wouldnt work, and I do not speak any of the other Countries offered.
The lengthy time with the mechanic, i wasnt able to look at seats.

fietsbob

Sure you have the measurements right? 25,4 is 1" [22.2 is 7/8" common BMX bars]
.964 inches is 24.5mm . French rounded off inch metic equivalents 22.0, 25.0 ,
and so forth..
until it was obvious they had to follow the market forces ..

plain type seat posts are 7/8" at the top.

Batavius is in the Netherlands . no wholesale exports, no US imports ,
so no US site.
If they are uniquely sized, 24.5mm .. you may have to restore it as is.
tires grips cables brake pads, that sort of stuff.

FastJake

At first I read it as 25.4mm which is a very common size. I'd suggest borrowing a set of 25.4 bars and see if they'll squeeze in without spreading the stem too much. Otherwise a smaller shimmed bar may be your only option.

Are you sure they're 24.5? You know what they say, measure twice cut once.

ontopcop

I do understang the addage, measure twice...
The bike mechanic measured with his micrometer atleast 10 times and on various areas, 24.5mm is correct. I wish it was 25.4mm, I believe that is standard.
I do appreciate your input, maybe there are some other styles of bars floating around out there used off of some other Batavus bike I can aquire. Keep your ears open...
Sorry about the double post, I figured since it was a folder, I would post it there as well.

zukahn1 

Since they are 24.5 bars which are hard to find. You may want to consider changing the stem as will as the bars it will likely be cheaper and easier to find used set used of bars with stem than to find a set of 24.5 European bars. This is provided that the bike takes a common sized stem.

fietsbob

the folding bike , often has no separate stem , its part of the frame.

True with Brompton, they have a hinge in the 'stem"



from the looks of it ,
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...2#post13572942

I suggest seeking a frame builder , and have a custom stem made.
get what bar you want to use and then get the gooseneck
made to get the bars where you need.

the rise in the bars is part of the position to the setup.
and that stem is clamped in the fork steerer by a special clamp.
so the piece needs to be made , rather than modified, I'd say..

what style of handlebar did you have in mind?

you get the matching rusty file cabinet?

ontopcop

The matching rusty file cabinet was a great find as well, it actually is from an old bank and has a safe built in. I ran across a website yesterday from a custom tandem bike builder, I believe he has 24.5 bars, i just have to find the link again. I really appreciate all the suggestions.

ontopcop

Update: I stopped off at the LBS that tuned-up the Batavus and asked the mechanic if they had any 24.5mm bars stashed away anywhere, and explained to him the ordeal. He advised me to just buy 25.4mm bars and spread the head clamp and everything would be just fine. I did, and I have a new set of bars on her. Next... new seat.
Thks for all the replies. Will keep you posted on the build and will get some pics.

ontopcop

fietsbob

interesting find.. hope there is enough stem inserted in the fork .. at that height ..

ontopcop

There is alot of stem left, I was actually surprised to see how far up it would go till I reach the limit mark.
I'm thinking an orange paint job with white pinstripe.