44 cm handlebar suggestions - French stem
10-10-23, 03:48 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
44 cm handlebar suggestions - French stem
I currently have 41 cm bars on a Gitane TDF and want to keep the French stem that is on it. Are there any 44 cm or even 46 cm one could use? Something along the lines of a Nitto Noodle which I would use if it were possible but there is the usual difference in diameter between the 25.0 mm stem and 25.4mm handlebars, enough of an issue to cause fitment problems. Not sure if opening up the inside area of the stem is even an option. Very few if any French handlebars with flat ramps that go beyond 42 cm are available from what I have seen, such as the classic Phillips which tend to be rather expensive if you find one.
I find the Belleri on the Gitane relatively comfortable but a handlebar such I mentioned would be all the better.
I find the Belleri on the Gitane relatively comfortable but a handlebar such I mentioned would be all the better.
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10-10-23, 05:17 PM
#2
Senior Member
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since you wish to retain stem it would help readers to help you if you posted clamp size
some french stem makers offered clamp sizes other than 25.0
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since you wish to retain stem it would help readers to help you if you posted clamp size
some french stem makers offered clamp sizes other than 25.0
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10-10-23, 06:20 PM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
The stem inside diameter is definitely 25.0 - it took me awhile to find a decently wide handlebar. Certainly if one goes about it properly and removes just enough material that is done evenly it should be acceptable. The stem is from the 1950's from what I understand, made by DFV, 60 cm with a vertical clamping bolt. Example from Ebay.
10-10-23, 06:37 PM
#4
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Bikes: Since new: 86 Rodriguez Tandem, wife's 87 Gitane Team Pro, 92 Burley Rock-n-Roll, 85 Fisher Comp, 88 Puch Pro, two 92 Bridgestone X0-1s; later: 66/67 Gitane Champion du Monde, 70 Gitane Super Corsa, 70 Carre, 87 Gitane Team Pro, 77/78 Ritchey Tandem
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Well its good its not an AVA “death stem” on there as typically found on the TdFs of this vintage … minor reaming of clamp as well as emory cloth on bars should be fine if kept to a minimum. Nice frame too, got the earlier Carre-style willow caps on seat stays, much nicer than the folded over swedge cut finish.
10-10-23, 06:39 PM
#5
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I wouldn't try to modify the handlebars to fit the stem or vice versa. If you need a wider bar, you can (a) try your luck on eBay France or (b) go with a different stem and handlebars. (b) would be my choice.
10-10-23, 07:05 PM
#6
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My Super Corsa might not contain any French-ness beyond the frameset.
All Campy with TTT stem and handlebar. Wait a second...I use an Ideale saddle. lol
No shame going Cinelli or 3T for bar & stem. Heck, you got Vittoria tires there. Should've gone Dugast!
All Campy with TTT stem and handlebar. Wait a second...I use an Ideale saddle. lol
No shame going Cinelli or 3T for bar & stem. Heck, you got Vittoria tires there. Should've gone Dugast!
10-10-23, 07:54 PM
#7
Senior Member
The French specified narrower bars than the Italians even when using Italian products. my 1972 59cm ctt Bertin had a 36cm ctc bar from new.
there may be wide old bars but I think few. but might look up on French eBay Berelli.
there may be wide old bars but I think few. but might look up on French eBay Berelli.
10-10-23, 08:14 PM
#8
Senior Member
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the letters DFV stand for the firm Dauphinoise de Fabrication Velocipediques
in 1955 there was a merger between them and Ets. GROS d'Quillons
head of the entity was a Monsieur Chassange who later became also the head of ATAX
the similarity in appearance betwixt thine potence and that of ATAX be no accident
stem binder and expander bolts are by ALGI
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the letters DFV stand for the firm Dauphinoise de Fabrication Velocipediques
in 1955 there was a merger between them and Ets. GROS d'Quillons
head of the entity was a Monsieur Chassange who later became also the head of ATAX
the similarity in appearance betwixt thine potence and that of ATAX be no accident
stem binder and expander bolts are by ALGI
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10-10-23, 08:16 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I spent a bit of time on Ebay France looking for just the right bend and width, should have purchased contender though this was at least 2 years ago - just happen to like the stem so will look again but the Noodles are awful tempting and I know some have successfully reamed out a stem and ridden the bike for years.
Last edited by VintageRide; 10-10-23 at 08:20 PM.
10-11-23, 05:10 AM
#10
10-11-23, 07:33 AM
#11
I had a 44cm bar on one of my bikes for one day. I felt like a kite.
YMMV and best of luck
YMMV and best of luck
10-11-23, 10:11 AM
#12
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Bikes: Since new: 86 Rodriguez Tandem, wife's 87 Gitane Team Pro, 92 Burley Rock-n-Roll, 85 Fisher Comp, 88 Puch Pro, two 92 Bridgestone X0-1s; later: 66/67 Gitane Champion du Monde, 70 Gitane Super Corsa, 70 Carre, 87 Gitane Team Pro, 77/78 Ritchey Tandem
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Actually it relates more to poor metallurgy rather than design. Placing a stress relieving hole at end of slot helps but does not fix the poor casting of bike boom-era French stems, both AVA and ATAX. If it were my TdF, I’d replace with a forged 3ttt.
10-11-23, 11:16 AM
#13
(3ttt is one of them).
Everyone, no matter which brand, in the bins here has a round top to the slot.
(Except the ones that went in the round bin as they were cracked.)
10-11-23, 02:34 PM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Although not opposed to another stem, and it would be easier to sand down a 22.2 mm standard stem to fit the 22.0mm French, although tolerances sometimes allow them to work, I do like the fact that this particular stem has more insertion length which allows me to have the handlebars just high enough. As is the case more often than not the majority of stems tend to be on the short side. I have a Nitto Technomic on two other bikes which allow one much more flexibility.
I may just leave things as they are since the bike is quite rideable as it is but any extra comfort is always welcome.
I may just leave things as they are since the bike is quite rideable as it is but any extra comfort is always welcome.
