Jeff,
You're right. My error--the bar clamp is not chromed (or rechromed)--it's aluminum. But it's still beautiful and I'd hate to have to be prying on it to spread it open for bar insertion. Sure would appreciate your checking yours and letting me know.
Thanks,
Pete Rutledge
Woodbridge, VA, USA
Paramountadjustable track stem?
> Hi Pete,
>
> I will check out my bar diameter later today and mail you back, I have two
> Paramounts...Curiously, is your bar clamp really chromed? My slider is the
> typical Schwinn Aluminum alloy piece, not chromed. Is your stem a Schwinn
> stem?
>
> Jeff Nye
> Ft. Collins, CO
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
> [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Pete
> Rutledge
> Sent: Friday, January 06, 2006 11:47 AM
> To: classicrendezvous
> Subject: [CR]Correct handlebar diameter for antique Schwinn
> Paramountadjustable track stem?
>
>
> Can anyone tell me with certainty, the size of handlebar that fits
> properly into a 1930s-1950s Schwinn adjustable track stem? I have such
> a stem; when the handlebar clamp opening is completely relaxed; i.e., no
> tension on the clamping bolt, I measure the I.D. as 1/128" less than one
> inch. I know that 1/128" doesn't sound like much, but a one inch bar
> will not fit without stretching the clamp open (which I would rather not
> have to do, as it has been beautifully rechromed). Could it be that it
> takes a 15/16" diameter bar? Sheldon Brown's table of handlebar
> diameters says that 15/16" diameter is "Obsolete British size for steel
> handlebars, common on older 3-speeds. This size was also used for older
> British steel drop bars." If you have such a Schwinn Paramount
> adjustable stem with the original bars in it, could you please measure
> and let me know the right answer--15/16" or 1"? Thanks again for the
> help. This information will contribute to the final assembly of my '38
> Schwinn Superior.
>
> Pete Rutledge
> Woodbridge, VA, USA