Stem size in a Nishiki Riviera mixte?

[LeicaLad]

Dear All,

I need to swap out the bars and stem for this Nishiki Riviera I’m building for my wife. She wants upright.

I'm assuming that to remove the bar, I'd have to destroy that nice original padding. Thus, I'm looking to swap the stem and the handle bars.

BUT, what is the stem size for this bike? How do I determine, minus any tools or LBS willing to help?

Is this a “standard” size? Thank you.

[sarahspins]

The stem should be a standard 1" quill stem (these are 22.2mm). Some older bikes, but not many (mostly Schwinn's), as well as BMX bikes, use 21.1mm stems and those are MUCH harder to find in configurations that are like what you are probably wanting.

I bought this Kalloy stem for my Takara only to find out that I needed one of those smaller 21.1mm stems.. but it does fit in my Nishiki just fine (and may end up being used on another build.. which it seems is where most of the parts intended for the Takara are heading..).

[LeicaLad]

Oooh. Thank you. That's a nice looking stem and I especially like the rise. This will help it achieving the upright riding position they desire.

Just out of curiosity, what bars have you liked most for that upright ride?

Thanks, again.

Owen (LL)

[sarahspins]

I had planned on using VO porteur bars

Since my stem didn't work though, I have to either find one that will, or start looking for another mixte

[LeicaLad]

While not as cheap, I've seen really nice bars on an Electra mixte.

They sell them at: https://www.electrabike.com/store/

You have to look to the "Ticino Parts Collection", then at the bars. You can also look at the Ticino bikes for a better idea of the look.

Just because I'm a slow learner, do I understand that the VO bars WILL fit in that stem, but just didn't fit in your frame? (Sorry, I am a bit slow...) If they do, that may be my best combo for this Nishiki.

Thanks.

Owen

[sarahspins]

Just because I'm a slow learner, do I understand that the VO bars WILL fit in that stem, but just didn't fit in your frame? (Sorry, I am a bit slow...) If they do, that may be my best combo for this Nishiki.

Yep, that's exactly it.. my steer tube is just too small.

[LeicaLad]

Thanks. I believe I have my solution.

This is such a great forum. (insert genuflection here!)

Owen

[Tuckervill]

Also, you don't have to lose that foam padding. Soap it up really good with soapy water and it should twist right off. Not that you want to keep it??

Karen

[LeicaLad]

Thanks. Perhaps an idea.

My thinking is that if I can convince my wife to ride more (or increase her enjoyment of riding), she might later (be willing to) graduate to a better bike.

At that time, I'd re-install these original bars to sell it. It seems that people really want to buy their vintage bikes as close to original as possible (or as naked frames). This is a 1984, too.

Still, I didn't know about the trick to get that padding off. That raises other prospects.

But, I like that stem noted above. Still trying to sort out brake levers and whether I should switch to an easier shifter setup.

I'm still learning...

Thank you all for the ideas!

Owen

[sarahspins]

Still trying to sort out brake levers and whether I should switch to an easier shifter setup.

There isn't much easier than stem shifters when you're talking friction shifting. I suppose you could try some cheap thumbies and see if she likes that better with whatever bar setup you end up with, since anything else would start to involve changing out components and get somewhat costly

[Tuckervill]

If it has been in the weather at all, the foam padding might not have its original integrity and might fall apart. That's why you have to loosen it up pretty good before you start to slide it off. BUT, you can buy replacements online. 1984 wasn't so long ago.

Karen

[LeicaLad]

...not so long ago.

Well, that one made me smile!

This bike arrived as a bit of a mystery. Even tho' I know it was a shop model and never ridden, I simply do not understand how it can be in such absolute new condition after so many years. The only concession to time I have found is some sun fading to one side of the saddle. The rubber hoods are fine. From what I can tell, the bearings were even re-packed before they put it up for sale.

I'm actually on a road (car) trip with my family out to middle USA, so the bike is not with me. I'm doing all the research now, so that I can have the parts waiting to put on as soon as we return. (I have a project bike for me that will also be ready for completion.)

Given that the very nice looking stem noted above is just $18, it seems worth it to keep this original bar and stem as is. Plus, that stem gives a nice rise. If the VO bars are chosen, it appears that added lift will be appreciated. My wife doesn't like the forward position at all, it seems. What she really would prefer would be the ancient Raleigh 3-speed of yore, as more befitting of her sense of self.

I'm doing my best to please her and, hopefully, happily surprise her, too.

[LeicaLad]

Thank you all.

Below are the results of my current homework. I’ve not yet ordered, but am about to do so. (I also found those foam bar pad replacements, but I’m thinking total replacement here.)

Big question: I have NO experience with “aero” brake levers. Are these okay for upright bars? Duuuh.

Would these choices make sense? (From www.niagaracycle.com)

(1) Kalloy 25.4 Clamp 100mm 115d Silver 1" Quill with Stop
(1) Dimension 25.4 70mm Riser Bar 50deg sweep Silver
(1) Tektro R100A Ergo Brake Levers Black/Silver
(1) Sunlite MX II Comfort Bicycle Grips, Black

Grips are tough to choose. Too many to pick from. If the brake levers are black, I guess I gotta go with black grips. My wife has small hands, thus the compact levers. BUT, will these grips be too fat? Anyone suggest better grip choice (and/or anything else)?

Thank You All!

[sarahspins]

Those brakes are meant for drops... that doesn't mean you couldn't use them on a flat type bar, but it would be overkill. Which brake levers you need ultimately depends on what bars you will be using, since they have different clamp sizes.

You can use regular levers, cross levers, reverse levers.. there's a lot of options, just make sure that what you buy has the right clamp diameter to match your bars.

[LeicaLad]

Thank you. Your comments have been hugely helpful.

I'm just trying to put nice upright bars on this bike for my wife.

She is small and has small hands. These Tektro grips are what had shown up in other threads as small hands friendly, but I wasn't clear about use on bars such as those chosen here.

The stem you suggested seems perfect. I think the stem shifters can be kept. So the brake levers and grip become the significant matters remaining. I hope the 50 degree sweep on these bars isn't too much.

These brake levers cost $20, so are quite reasonable. Are there more appropriate levers for small hands that would work with this setup?

Are those grips too fat, making the reach to the brake levers more difficult?

My apologies for so many dumb questions. I know certain bike things well. I can repack bearings, be they hubs, headsets and cranks, for example. But this arena is all new to me.

Yet more thanks! Seriously.

-O-