[CR]AVA stems risky?

(Example: Racing:Jean Robic)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: <youngc@netreach.net>
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001 12:31:43 US/Eastern
Subject: [CR]AVA stems risky?

Folks:

I am considering replacing the AVA (death) bar on my 74-ish Peugeot PR-10L for safety reasons. Are the AVA stems also prone to spontaneous failure? This stem has a recessed allen bolt for the binder and is cutaway in the front above the clamp bolt. Kind of cute the way the AVA engraving on the bar shows through, but if it is out to hurt me, I'll replace it.

If the stem is OK, will it work with a Nitto 25.4mm moustache bar? My calipers show the AVA bar at 25.2mm (they may be a little generous). Don't be affronted by the substitution, if it were a bit (OK, a lot) prettier, I'd probably put a Belleri or ATAX combination on it...

Charlie Young Honeybrook, PA Who can find enough ways to damage himself without using faulty equipment.