[Bulldog]

Got mine installed today. Very light, very pretty.

For pics search Hcor for an older thread, or here's a recent Mtbr thread:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=43985

 

[SuspectDevice]

Boo-HISSS!!! 31.8 needs to die, and Thompson producing a 31.8 stem isn't helping that...

 

[Acadian]

Boo-HISSS!!! 31.8 needs to die, and Thompson producing a 31.8 stem isn't helping that...

and I e-mailed them - begging for them to make a 25.4 and they said they were not planning on it.

 

[Transcend]

I'd like to knwo why you guys hate 31.8 so much.

I went from a noodly titec bar (which sucked on so many levels, but i digress), to a 31.8 truvativ. The Truvativ feels infinetly better, as i could feel the flex in the older bars. (obviously due to their overall suckiness, but I'm sure the smaller diameter contributed to it).

 

[Acadian]

because I have like 5 bars and they are all 25.4

and most people that have components that attach to the handlebars (lights, computer, etc..) all for 25.4 bars...

 

[Acadian]

oh and I didn't say I hated that standard...just that I like to have the choice.

 

[frorider]

bigger = better combination of stiffness, strength, and weight.

why should we continue using standards developed decades ago for road bikes?

i have a std. clamp diabolus stem but when it's time to get new bars i'm replacing it w/ 31.8mm clamp.

it's just money. no one's forcing you to upgrade.

 

[mobius]

31.8 rules. I'm replacing my diabolous eventually with it. It just feels insanely more stiffer i didn't think id notice but it feels more stable.

 

[grimm]

thats a really nice looking stem, but yes i agree, a 25.4mm is needed as well..

 

[Shmoe]

So its not avalible in 50mm yet? to bad.

I love my thomson 50mm/easton ea70 combo, I doubt ill run anything else for a long time.

 

[azonicbruce]

Soo... where can you get it?

 

[Bulldog]

Soo... where can you get it?

If you looked at the pics you could have read the thread , but any LBS that deals with QBP (Quality) can order them up. When I got mine I only checked on 70mm and 90mm, and both were in stock. Not sure if they have all sizes in stock yet.

 

[azonicbruce]

If you looked at the pics you could have read the thread , but any LBS that deals with QBP (Quality) can order them up. When I got mine I only checked on 70mm and 90mm, and both were in stock. Not sure if they have all sizes in stock yet.

Sorry, I did see the thread but was wondering if there were any online places offering them (like go-ride) right now. I guess I'll call tomorrow.

What rise was your 70? I'm looking for one just like the DH Thomson I had that was 70 x 0º.

Also, it looks like the front clamp isn't very wide? Is it just as wide as the regular Thomson's or is it narrower?

 

[azonicbruce]

Geez! You must think I'm a goon. OK, now I see that the one in the pics is a 70 x 0º.

What about the front clamp width? Or do I need to read that thread 5 times just to realize it's already been answered.

 

[gmac]

31.8 = more weight overall ?

 

[1nten5e]

31.8 = more weight overall ?

no..less weight because the hole is bigger

 

[Trond]

isn't it possible to shim it so that 25.4 will fit?
edit: of course, that'll add some weight.

 

[Matt D]

isn't it possible to shim it so that 25.4 will fit?
edit: of course, that'll add some weight.

Hmmm, shimming a handlebar... I don't think I'd want that. Why not just pony up for the new bar?

Is Thomson making the 25.4s at all anymore?

 

[binary visions]

Hmmm, shimming a handlebar... I don't think I'd want that. Why not just pony up for the new bar?

Is Thomson making the 25.4s at all anymore?

All Marzocchi integrated stems run a shim...

 

[Bulldog]

Geez! You must think I'm a goon. OK, now I see that the one in the pics is a 70 x 0º.

What about the front clamp width? Or do I need to read that thread 5 times just to realize it's already been answered.

I got the same one as in the pic, 70mm x 0d.

The clamp width didn't strike me as narrow, it was the same width as the Titec I took off.

 

[Bulldog]

31.8 = more weight overall ?

The 31.8 Thomson is ~30g LIGHTER than the 25.4 Thomson.

For exact handle bars in 31.8 and 25.4 I've noticed the oversized bar is ~20g heavier. So in the end it's pretty close to a wash, at least with my pairing (Thomson/Protaper), though the new setup is ultimately stiffer and stronger. Works for me.

 

[Echo]

Great, more money to spend...

 

[SuspectDevice]

I dislike 31.8 for so many reasons...
#1 useless new "standard" foisted on us so that road and mtn bikes can interchange stems

#2 It can make a bar too stiff, especially if we are talking about some of the ****ty R+D (Ripoff and duplicate) companies out there.

#3. It limits the adjustabilty of the controls on the bar, especially with flat bars

#4 It completly ****s up mounting most existing computers to road or mtb's

#5 It is another new standard, that is absolutely un-needed

#6 It is ugly

#7 It is another new standard, and makes compatiblity with existing stock an issue.

#8 It is ugly, and most 31.8 bars are poorly designed over-stiff pieces of garbage...

 

[buildyourown]

31.8 was developed for road bikes so they could run rediculously thin carbon bars. (easton) It then migrated to dh bikes because some people think stiffer is better. Personally, I want some flex in my bars. It takes the edge off of bumps. If the bar is properly designed, strength is not an issue.

 

[Brian HCM#1]

isn't it possible to shim it so that 25.4 will fit?
edit: of course, that'll add some weight.

Thats what I was thinking, like those Marzocchi shims.

 

[frorider]

stiffness aids in steering precision. the correct place to absorb shocks is in the suspension, not in floppy bars or flexy stems. however i think it is legitimate to talk about how various handlebar designs/materials can dampen vibrations--but that is not a flexibility issue per se.

most people i've asked think bulged 31.8 bars look cool, not ugly, so i don't see that as a big argument for or against.

 

[azonicbruce]

Regarding Handlebar Clamp width. The X4 IS indeed a bit narrower than the Elites. Here's the email from Thomson:

Bruce,

The width of the elite X4 handle bar clamp is 1.76 inches (44.7mm). The elite stems with either the 25.4 or 26.0 diameter handle bar size have a width of 1.952 inches (49.7mm). We will have our website updated with all of our X4 stem information soon www.lhthomson.com.

I hope this helps.

Brian Thomson

 

[frorider]

btw if anyone reading this wants thomson to intro a 1.5 steerer version of their stem, email them.

 

[BigHit-Maniac]

31.8 bars are tha' ****. Stronger, stiffer, less flex, and they look awesome.

Why should big bikes use weenie parts? Screw 25.4 ... 31.8 is where it's at!


-Matt