I haven't personally seen the AVA stems fail, and I have no hesitancy to ride the stems, but the AVA bars, which are usually unmarked like yours, do crack - I discovered some nasty hairline cracks in a pair I bought with a used PX10. I'd say use the stem but inspect it periodically for cracks. As to the bars, do a carefully inspection before using at least. The problem with bars of course is that they can crack under the tape. If you don't want to go to the trouble of untaping them and inspecting them from time to time, then it might be best to use a different bar. The AVA bars will probably be 25.0mm diameter at the clamp. Sheldon has some Belleri 16D bars this size or you can just change the stem as well and go to whatever bar size you like.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
p6man wrote:
> Hi lightweight bike lovers! I just brought home a nice '71 Raleigh
> International. The bike's in very good original condition, but has an AVA
> handlebar stem (the one with the hollow top), and unmarked bars. Might
> this be the same stem and bars that I've heard horror stories about?
> Are these stems really an accident waiting to happen? No, I don't see any
> cracks yet, but should I be concerned? I'm guessing that this is the
> original/correct stem and bars for a '71, but I'm not sure, as my '74 Int.
> uses a GB. Anyone know? Thanks,
>
> Duane Kennard <p6man@home.com>