stem too large for handlebar tube

monastery

My Giant bike has gone through many changes and modifications and I have just purchased a new handlebar stem for it. I have now realised that the diameter of the new stem clamp is 31.8 mm and my handlebar tube is around 25-26mm diameter. Now while I could get a 31.8 mm replacement flat handlebar to work with the new stem, the problem is that my 24 speed gear shifter (Shimano R225 EZ Fire 24 speed) and brakes were designed for a 2009 Giant FCR 3 hybrid bike.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bik ... 268/32201/

The bracket that attaches the gear shifter and brake units to the handlebar would only work with a 25-26mm handlebar.

So all the sudden I am not sure what to do?

I have of using something called a shim, but I don't know if it is a good idea.

Any advice would be appreciated.

ugo.santalucia

Get a Deda Logo stem, that will fit your 26 mm handlebar

freezing77

Buy the correct type of stem.

Or buy one of these.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/gusset-handlebar-shim-260-318-for-standard-road-size-to-318mm-oversize-prod20128/

fearby

Giant use their own sizing and have OD1 and OD2 sizings so they won't fit standard bars.

freezing77

Do you out of interest know the sizes?.

monastery

The stem is this one:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/gea ... 572/39085/

which is OD2. I think my tube diameter is 26mm or thereabouts.

I would happily use a shim if they would solve this.

dj58

The OverDrive 2 stem is sized for a 31.8mm dia. fork steerer tube, but is supplied with a shim to fit a 28.6mm dia. fork steerer tube. The bar clamp is 31.8mm dia. as you have found.

The OverDrive stem fits a 28.6mm dia. fork steerer tube, the bar clamp is 31.8mm dia. Giant do make a Sport stem that has a 26mm dia. bar clamp, however I'm not sure they offer it as an aftermarket part, maybe you could ask a Giant dealer.

You could use a shim as suggested or you could return the stem for a refund and try and source a correctly sized one.