Cinelli Contact Handlebars - any good?

[bryanska]

I have an old Cinelli expander-nut quill stem that accepts only bars
with Cinelli's proprietary 26.4mm size. I'm using ancient round bars,
and want to try ergo drops. But bars in 26.4mm are hard to find.

I've found a couple pairs of Cinelli Contact drop handlebars online.
The bar itself has a kooky triangular shape in the bend and drops (the
flat side faces up).

They're supposed to be comfy for distances. Anyone have any experience
with these Cinelli Contact bars?

 

[bryanska]

Or -

Has anyone tried a threaded - to threadless adapter? Do those work OK?

Or -

Can I use a wedge quill stem in the same frame that came with an
expander-nut stem?

 

[Chalo]

bryanska wrote:
>
> Has anyone tried a threaded - to threadless adapter? Do those work
OK?

Yes. Steel is stiffer than aluminum for this application, if that
matters to you.

> Can I use a wedge quill stem in the same frame that came with an
> expander-nut stem?

Yes.

Chalo Colina

 

[bryanska]

Triumph!

I bought the Cinelli Contact bars. They work great, nice ergo option
for those with a 26.4 mm Cinelli stem.

As for the hard-to-find plugs, I modifieed standard ones.

If you take a Dremel tool to a standard plastic Cinelli end plug, the
plug will fit. Cut off every other "peg" that slips into the bar. This
will leave three in a triad shape.

With the cork tape tucked into the bar end, you will get plenty of
friction to hold the modified end plug nice and tight in your Cinelli
Contact handlebars.