Arthur Peabody

I could never tighten the cinch bolt of the handlebar stem (what's the proper term for it?) enough to keep the handlebar from rotating. Today I couldn't tighten it at all: the bolt has stripped its threads. I tightened it by hand with a regular allen wrench, and I'm not especially strong. Is there a better bolt? Or would that strip the stem's threads?

_ForceD_

Probably the threads on the stem. It may be that the bar’s diameter is jus a bit too small and the clamp just closed on itself. But if that’s not the case, and you don’t want to invest in a new stem…you could get a longer bolt, and put a nut on the other side and tighten it that way.

Dan

Iride01 

Is this a stem that has a bolt and nut? If so you can just replace them. However if the bolt is going into a threaded hole on the stem, then likely the hole is stripped. I doubt I'd try to drill and tap it for a bigger bolt. Just get a new stem.

Make sure as _ForceD_ said to be certain your handlebar diameter matches what the handlebar clamp on the stem is made for.

Arthur Peabody

The handlebar and stem are the only original parts on this bicycle. Someone attacked it, bending the frame and fork; someone stole the seat and its post; I've replaced all other parts because I've worn them out or broken them - so I hope the handlebar and stem are matched. It's 30 years old - it may have worn out.

The bolt is 8mm x 22mm! The hardware store has 20 and 25. 25 was too long (it's a goose neck with no neck: the female threads are in the stem.) so I'm trying the 20.

Iride01 

You'd hope they are original, but on a 30 year old bike with previous owners, there is always the possibility that they were replaced. And maybe with incorrect bars.

When I was a kid 50 years ago it seemed I never liked the handlebars that came with some of my bikes and they got new bars right away.

cyccommute 

Maybe time for a new stem and/or handlebar? It’s 30 years old after all…and broken now.

icemilkcoffee 

If the female threads in the stem are stripped out, then a new bolt is not going to do you any good.
Just but a new stem. They are not expensive.

Arthur Peabody

No previous owners.

When I was a kid 60 years ago it didn't cross my mind to dislike the handlebars. I rode my '62 Schwinn Typhoon for 9 years. I broke the handlebar stem. I was holding the bars and lifting to get extra power on the pedals when it broke; I lifted them above my head, was looking at the sky, uncomprehending. Oddly, I remember that feeling but not how I must have felt when I fell.

Yes. I'll find that out. A bolt is a small expense to try.

I'm a minimalist and frugal: I like to make things do. The handlebars have been bent at least 3 times: once in the attack mentioned in the original message, once when someone jumped the curb and drove into it, once when a motorist drove into me, throwing the bicycle and me 20 feet into the air. It's a reminder. I'm not going to win a race or a beauty contest.

cyccommute 

Frugal is all well and good but once something is broken, that’s not frugal anymore. It’s broken. If the stem has internal threads, there’s no way to repair them and attempts to do so will likely result in failure of a part that is somewhat critical. You don’t have to run out and buy a $200 stem but buying a $20 or $40 new (or used) stem is far cheaper than the dental bills.

dsbrantjr

Bolts can be cut shorter rather easily. Using a too-short bolt could result in its coming loose and/or stripping the threads; having the bars come off is only funny in the cartoons.

dsbrantjr

Is the bike possessed or something?

Arthur Peabody

It's not critical. I kept riding my bike without it. It just keeps the handlebars from rotating. I can always keep my hands on top.

Perhaps with better tools than I have. It's thick and hardened steel, not like cheap machine screws. And it's hard to hold on to.

Possessed by me.

Homeless Depot has 22mm. I found the last one in an adjacent bin.

cyccommute 

Rotating handlebars are seldom considered to be a good thing. I fail to see how you can keep your “hands on the top” and operate the brakes.

Arthur Peabody

I didn't write that it was a good thing, just that it's not critical.

I have levers that I squeeze, which I can do without applying torque to the bar.