Headset Stem

FrancisScotland

Hey, was looking at buying some new tri base bars from my track bike but they're only for a "26mm stem" which I presume is the clamp. My current stem is 31.8mm so should I be fine to buy the bars and a stem with a 26mm clamp or will that stem not work with my headset? I know it's a stupid question, but any advice welcome, cheers

sungod

headset shouldn't be the issue, it's the steerer tube that the stem clamps to

if you are changing the stem, there are a few things to get right/check...

steerer tube clamp diameter - to match the current one
stack height - if it's shorter than the current one, you can add a spacer; if it's taller remove spacer/fit narrower spacer
stem angle and length - usually you'd match the current one, but depending on geometry/objective you could change one/both
bar clamp diameter - to match the new bars