Help with Handlbar problem

zolik

Hi All,

First post for me! I have just stared MTB'ing not long ago, I bought a Scott Reflex 50 (pretty low end) just to get started. I have run the bike in and I will be needed to change parts soon as I have the modification bug. I have so far put clipless shimano pedals on and I have purchased (cheap) a Ritchey WCS Carbon Rizer Bar. I have figured out that I require a new stem as the original stem was used for an alloy bar so I guess I require a new Stem but Im puzzled as to what exactly I require? Is there a certain size I need? I was thinking of just purchasing a Ritchey Comp Stem

Specs:
RITCHEY COMP Stem 31.8 -120mm
- 3-D forged and CNC-machined AL-6061-T6 body
- CroMoly hardware, and color graphics
- 40 mm height
- 155 grams
- Length 120mm , raise 6o

Will this fit my frame and new bar?
All help to this newb appreciated

HowardSteele

have purchased (cheap) a Ritchey WCS Carbon Rizer Bar.

Hi there,never having addressed this predicament myself,I'm quite happy with standard bars.
But why can't you use the ali-stem?.Can't you clamp carbon bar in ali clamp due to size or fear of cracking.
Don't some guys run carbon seat posts in ali frames ?
Learning curve here for me.

alfeng

The number you highlighted in RED is the size of the "center section" of the handlebar where the handlebar is clamped by the stem ... 31.8 is aka OS (Over Sized == 31.8mm).

The traditional MTB handlebars have 25.4mm center sections (a legacy from the "original" mountain bikes which were based on modified, all-steel balloon tired coaster-brake bikes).

The center section on the majority of ROAD handlebars was 26.0mm diameter; but OS is becoming prevalent on ROAD bars, too -- size continuity reduces the cost for suppliers.

Since your Ritchey Rizer bar does not bear the OS designation (or, does it?), it probably uses a stem with a tradtional clamping size.

Almost ALL threadless stems are currently made to fit 1 1/8" fork steerers ... there have always been exceptions.

Almost ALL MTBs have had forks with 1 1/8" for about a decade (except for the bikes you may get at Wally World, etc. which probably still have 1" steerers).