Is 4-bolt stem OK for Reynolds CF bar?

Kocsis said:

I am considering the Reynolds Ouzo Pro Anatomic CF handlebar and a four-bolt stem. Apparently, for all of the reasons specified in its website, Easton insists that its bar be used only with two-bolt (preferably Easton) stems. Apparently, the 2-bolt configuration puts less stress on the bar (and the 4-bolt supposedly puts excessive stress on the bar). Has anyone had problems using the four-bolt design with Reynolds?

funny that reynolds only shows 4-bolt stems on its websites. anyways, take a look at this thread cyclingforums.comt304764 .htmlOpen ↗

Kocsis said:

I am considering the Reynolds Ouzo Pro Anatomic CF handlebar and a four-bolt stem. Apparently, for all of the reasons specified in its website, Easton insists that its bar be used only with two-bolt (preferably Easton) stems. Apparently, the 2-bolt configuration puts less stress on the bar (and the 4-bolt supposedly puts excessive stress on the bar). Has anyone had problems using the four-bolt design with Reynolds?

I suspect that the concern is you won't get equal torque on all four bolts. If the two right side bolts are tighter than the ones on the left, for example, that would concentrate all of the clamping force on the right edge of the stem clamp. That looks to me like it would be hard on the handlebar.

I've been using a Kestrel handlebar in a Thompson four bolt stem for several years with no problems. I used a 1/4" drive torque wrench when I installed it so I'm pretty sure that all four bolts are evenly tightened. I was surprised at how low the torque spec was for the Thompson stem.

well, you can use 4-bolt on the reynolds ouzo pro CF.

I asked: "Can I use the reynolds Race AL stem with the ouzo pro anatomic handlebar? thank you"

Reynolds replied: "Absolutely, we designed, egineered and tested compatibility with our bars and stems to be used specifically for Reynolds components. A pro bar can be used with either a race or comp stem. Clamp diameter is an oversized standard in the bike industry so it is also compatiable with other products. Be sure to follow the spec on torque for the bolts.


I hope this information is helpful, please let me know if you have any questions. We’d be happy to help."

as you know the Race AL is a 4-bolt stem. just remember to use the torque specs of the handlebars rather than the one on the stem for either 2-bolt or 4-bolt. also, refer to the article i mentioned in the thread i listed above.

Torque wrench is a good investment for any carbon clamped parts. I have 2 one for high and the other for low torque settings.

Of course you can. The Easton blurb is intended to shoo away the hamfisted sorts and to cover Easton's corporate [censored].

My Reynolds Ouzo Pro Anatomic CF bars are held by a Ritchey WCS OS stem. 4 bolts and two separate face plate pieces. Have torque wrench, and I use it.

Would you have any problem using a 4-bolt stem on the Easton CF bar?

no, just mind the torque. i asked reynolds the question about its stem, because it is a 4-bolt stem.

as far as easton, the link to the article i posted was also linked in easton's website (where there isn't any mention of not using 4-bolt or warnings against 4-bolt stems in any of their installation manuals). the article didn't say not to use the 4-bolt either. what it did say is to ensure you are using proper torque. the little blurb below the 2-bolt torque matrix states 4-bolt exert twice pressure for torque value. so what does that mean, back off on the 4-bolt torques by half for each bolt. reality, use about 60in/lbs for each bolt.

bikenashbar has inexpensive torque wrenches, but i bought mine at sears on sale for less, but now i think they are the same price at nashbar. the hex bit set and the torx drive set are definitely cheaper at bikenashbar (nashbar.comnashbar.comOpen ↗ and product search for tools), so i'd get those from there.