Thanks to all who replied about the AVA "death parts". I'd really like to ride the bike with the original stem and bars, but since I'm no lightweight rider (though I love lightweight bikes), I've decided to "upgrade" the stem to a period ttt, and use period ttt or GB bars as well. I'm sure I'll feel safer. Cheers,
Duane "not yet ready to die" Kennard <p6man@home.com>