Alright then, prompted by the "OFF LIST" accusation received below (...no "coward" I - nor even a No "L" Coward), I am more than happy to publicly post the following reply to the CR List as a whole inasmuch as it does, indeed, have some degree of merit from my perspective....
Regarding Louis Schulman's proposal to consider employing the unctuous qualities of bananas to facilitate fitting of a stubborn handlebar into a tight stem, I offer the alternative of using that good old standby, KY Jelly.
Seriously....
I have used this solution for many a stubborn fitting (...no puerile giggling here, we are strictly referring to inanimate objects - no wait, I mean to say only one inanimate object into yet another - get your minds out of the gutter people). For example, I have found KY to be the perfect balm for easily sliding the likes of precious original Campy "world logo" brake hoods onto their corresponding brake levers - no fuss, no muss, no icky residue, and any remaining trace of KY Jelly itself is easily flushed clear with only a small amount of water.
But speaking now more specifically to George Hollenberg's original solicitation for input with respect to fitting handlebars into a traditional non-quick release stem, in those instances where such a fitting is notably tight and the aforementioned KY trick will not work, I prefer to gently use a spreader on the stem opening, and then prior to any attempt to insert the bars themselves, I place a small hard plastic buffer into the stem opening to hold it agape (...the buffer pad which I use was crafted from a scrap chunk of Delrin into a suitable wedge shape using the combination of a saw and a Dremel tool). With the stem now firmly held open, snake the handlebars through and situate them in proximity of your preferred position before removing the wedged shaped plastic buffer by gripping it with a pair of pliers and carefully pulling said piece clear. You are now ready to insert the handlebar stem bolt and tighten same to specification.
Robert "and you thought KY was only good for one thing" Broderick ...the "Chronically Cloudy Clime" of Oregon Portland, USA
-----Original Message----- From: Louis Schulman [mailto:louiss@gate.net] Sent: Saturday, September 05, 2009 2:43 PM To: rsb000@hotmail.com Subject: Re: [CR] Cinelli Aluminum Bars-Engraving Protection DuringStem Placement - OFF LIST
Seriously? I have lost track of whether I was being serious or not. Sometimes I can't tell. And I definitely don't know about you.
But I did notice that you did not copy the list, you coward.
L
R.S. Broderick wrote: ...just read this posting and am compelled to comment....
I prefer to use KY jelly for similar such attempts (...including placement of brake hoods onto levers) for the VERY same reason - no residue and it is easily flushed clear with water.
Best regards,
Robert
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Louis Schulman Sent: Saturday, September 05, 2009 2:00 PM To: George Hollenberg Cc: Classic Rendezvous Subject: Re: [CR] Cinelli Aluminum Bars-Engraving Protection DuringStem Placement
Bananas. Grease would work, but then you would have grease between the bars and the stem. However, bananas will work just like grease, but will wash off with water.
By the way, I have not tested this idea. I know that it was used to launch the underwater observation room at Homosassa Springs, so the spring would not be contaminated.
Louis Schulman Tampa, FL (not far from Homosassa Springs)
George Hollenberg wrote:
Aside from using a spreader, can any additional things be done to protect the engravings when placing a stem on older aluminum Cinelli bars?