What size stem have I got?!

Slightly dumb question, sorry- I've got an old quill stem which I think is rather nice and want to keep it but replace the bars. How do I tell what size it is? It's got a single bolt attachment and the current bars have a slightly raised area where the stem clamps on to it (possibly shims) which implies to me that the stem is 26mm...

It would be obvious if it was a Cinelli stem I'm thinking. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I work it out?

This may be an easily solved q, if not I'll post a picture of it tonight

calipers
vernier gauges

verniers are for girls..... real men measure with their teeth.

Oooh, get her!

They are much more accurate for measuring the diameter of handlebars.

i don't need any measuring apparatus other than my eyes..... as i proved at souths a few weeks ago....twice.

Piece of string and a knowledge of Pi?

Spaghetti's teeth laid out in a line?

If you hold him Chris, I can punch all his teeth out?

ha!
A. Chris couldn't hold me down.
B. You couldn't punch all my teeth out..... even if i was smiling.

Thanks...I will trust the tape measure!

i think the only measurement yo can really trust is spaghetti hoops' teeth...

but if his teeth aren't within easy reaching distance, you can always take your stem down to a bike shop and ask.

also, look at the closely bars, sometimes they have the size stamped into them (although a lot of the time this is hidden by the stem or grips).

popular sizes are..

Cheapo - old - 25.4

Most others like profile, 3ttt. - 26.0

Pricey old school Cinelli - 26.2 I think...

Don't interchange different sizes with Alu stems unless you want to an eye watering crash to ensue