raja_mastana

I am planning to upgrade my quill stem on my bike to a thread-less stem. Looking to replace the handlebar as well.

Looking at the following parts
Adapter: Wiggle | Brand-X Quill Adaptor Alloy | Headsets
Stem: Wiggle | Brand-X MTB Stem | Stems
Handlebar: Wiggle | Brand-X Mountain Bike Riser Bar | Aero Bars

My queries are
1. The stem goes from 60mm to 80mm - which size stem should be suitable for a hybrid?
2. My current handlebars is around 600mm. The one I found on wiggle is about 740mm. There arn't many smaller width handlebars on sale. What width should be okay for a hybrid?

Here is a picture of the existing bike if that helps

brianmcg123

raja_mastana

Mainly, to upgrade the looks and give the bike a more current look. Not sure, but looks like the previous owner hand painted over the stem and handlebar - they have an uneven finish. They don't look nice to my eyes.

hokiefyd 

The answers to your questions will be largely subjective. There aren't any right-or-wrong answers...just what fits you. The stem you selected doesn't have much rise, so the clamp area of your handlebar may be lower than what it is now...depending on how high you set the height of the stem adapter. Handlebar width is also highly subjective -- some people prefer wider bars and some prefer narrower bars. You may be able to cut the width of the new handlebar down closer to what your current bar is. The new bar is aluminum, so you can definitely cut it down. Your local bike shop may be able to offer additional advice. I'd personally ride it for a month to see if you like the new width. You can always cut more off, but you can't cut less off!

raja_mastana

Thanks hokiefyd
However, upgrade project on hold till I can remove the quill stem. It is stuck
Need to try WD-40 Specialist Penetrant or similar today

hokiefyd 

Your bike looks pretty clean and new without any rust -- I'm surprised to hear that the stem is stuck! Sometimes, a quick blow from a soft hammer to the top of the stem is just enough to jarr it loose. Sometimes the quill itself digs pretty sharply into the aluminum steer tube.

fietsbob

looks like a steel stem , so galvanic corrosion should not be a problem

It is when aluminum meets steel.. Over time, ignored..

raja_mastana

Some penetrating lubrication and a couple of blow using a rubber mallet on the top bolt did it - thanks a lot guys
I watched a couple of RJ the bike guys videos and was preparing for the worst - but its a huge relief now that its out.

raja_mastana

Done with the upgrade

hokiefyd 

Nice project. Which bar did you end up using? It looks like an XLC?

delbiker1 

I switched out an old quill stem with an insert from Profile Design that allowed me to go to a Ritchey 90mm stem, clamp 31.8, with a 30 degree rise. Also replace the old Cinelli drop bars with a carbon fiber flat bar from Truvativ. I bought that bar because it was on sale for only $20. It has a width of about 560mm. My bike is a steel frame from the early 90's and it still has the downtube mounted shifters. The brake levers are Tecktro. I am waiting for a seatpost shim, 25.4 to 26.4, and CF seatpost that I also puchased from a sale. The frame is blue and the handlebar and seatpost both have blue streaks. I put on a saddle from Performance Bike, Endure Air that is sleek, pretty light and real comfortable.I tried some 28mm tires that fit until they got expanded once they got heated up, so it has 25mm Vittoria Rubinos. Everything else is original Shimano 105. It is a very nice, quiet and great handling bike. Very sleek looking, in my opinion. I have had bikers tell me they really like the mix of old school and new tech.

andrei_r

We need photo evidence!

andrei_r

Looking good!

3speedslow

raja_mastana

Thanks guys, I ended up using
XLC Comp Ergo Handlebar HB-C09 (600mm, height 30mm, upsweep 23 and backsweep 15) and
XLC Alu 1 1/8" Quill Stem (80mm stem)
Got them from tredz.co.uk
I am happy with the handlebar, however I feel I selected a short stem. I could have been better with a 100mm stem.