stem clamp question, 25.8 with 26.0 stem?

[shinomaster]

I want use an ITM bar with a 25.8 clamp with a Ritchey stem with a 26.0 clamp. Is this a bad idea? Will it slip? Do I need an ITM stem?
thanks a bunch,

me

[RPS]

From my perspective whether it slips or not is secondary. I’d be more concerned with premature failure due to components not being loaded in the intended manner. Due to curvature differences, both items will be loaded in bending to a greater degree; in addition to the normal tension or compression.

May be minor and may never be a problem, but why risk it? Personally I wouldn’t do it. I’ve seen what can happen when stems or bars fail.

[Bill Bove]

I just bought a pair of Ritchey bars and checked them for fit in an ITM and a Deda stem that I had. I opted to buy a Ritchey stem for the better fit. Why take the risk.

[shinomaster]

Well...to my knowledge all 26.0 bars and stems are compatible, so no risk There were a few 25.8 bars and stems made. A mechanic at my lbs told me it was slightly better to put a 26 bar in a 25.8 clamp as it would never slip? Since there are few stems out there with a 25.8 clamps, I was hoping to use an existing stem. I feel no need to match decals on my controls unless it is the only safe way to go. Who else makes a 25.8 stem? Anyone have a 100mm Itm millenium stem?

[Your_Friend!]

Shinomaster:
Do You Drink Budweiser (tm) beer??

Sincerely,
Your_Friend!

[shinomaster]

NO...is a ritchey stem budweiser? I looked inside the clamp and it says 26.0/25.8

[victoryfactory]

The difference between 26mm and 25.8mm
is only about .008 inches. That's like 3 sheets of copy paper.
As long as there are no sharp inner edges on the clamp, I can't see a
real problem.

VF

[chrisroph]

i assume you will be using a ritchey stem with a removable face plate. the best thing to do is install the bar in the stem and see if it torques properly without the face plate contacting the body of the stem. i bet it works fine. let us know after you try the combo out.

[Fixed]

Do You Drink Budweiser (tm) beer??
shim

[DfCas]

And so are the stems,for as long as I can remember.Are you sure your Ritchey stem is 26.0?

I don't think it matters anyway,as tolerances probably vary this much.

[d_douglas]

I used a Salsa SUL Cromo stem on my 25.4mm MTB bar and them switched to my 26.0mm road bar - if it is a open-faced stem, then there should be no problem, in my opinion.

I asked this of a mechanic and he confirmed it, saying that he has used an ITM Millennium stem on his MTB for three years with no problems.

Buying a matching stem would eliminate your doubt about this question, however!

DD

[Your_Friend!]

shim

Yes!