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@TheCatMan
Just wondered if anyone rides a similar set-up or has any insight as to what risks I am taking.
I've had the 3TTT stem for ages - its a lovely stem with the original bolt cap etc. - not entirely sure of the model but its almost identical to the old Cinelli 1A - except for the obvious clamp size, I've been using various bars over the last few years, mainly 26mm fitting road bars. However, I recently acquired a set of Cinelli Criteriums - they were quite badly scratched around the centre ferrule so I worked the scratches out some emery paper. I measured them with a digital caliper gauge before the 'polishing out' and the centre measured 26.2mm - from what I can gather this is isn't abnormal. Obviously the polishing has taken that down a little bit - so I tried to fit them in the 3TTT stem and it was just too tight (top-bottom only, the fore-aft size is fine) - thinking that there is plenty of material in the bottom part of the clamp I went to work with the emery paper. I now have the bars fitted in the stem - and I am riding with them. I am a little nervous however - I ride 53x16 and whenever I'm forced to get up and sprint (short hills etc.) I am concious that there must be some serious dynamic loads going through the bars especially with hands on the drops - I really don't fancy catastrophic failure at the point of putting maximum effort in!
So - anyone done the same or similar or have any knowledge /insight they could share with me?