Using vintage Cinelli stem?

Kerry Montgomery said:

Hi all,
Have been thinking about building a bike using NOS 1970s parts. Am I taking
an unreasonable risk, especially with the Cinelli stem? Is there a test that
could be done to the stem to verify that it's sound?
Thanks much,
Kerry

while the aluminum could have aged slightly, this will have made it
stronger, not weaker. the only other consideration is the cinelli wedge
system can split steerer tubes if tightened excessively, but that's not
a function of age. other than that, you'll be fine.

Kerry Montgomery said:

Hi all,
Have been thinking about building a bike using NOS 1970s parts. Am I taking
an unreasonable risk, especially with the Cinelli stem? Is there a test that
could be done to the stem to verify that it's sound?

The bars can break. Maybe only after long service/abuse, like my 66's
<g>, at the end of the center sleeve. Right before going down the big
hill, too. A *lucky* break <g>.

Bars with no marks or "frost", (really NOS) should be OK.

I used a Cinelli 1A stem that had a huge casting flaw close to the
clamp end (young, stupid). So much "extra" material, it never broke.

(beating half to death dept.): Cinelli as others have noted made bars/
stems in 26.4 and 26.0. Real, virginal NOS, matching diameters,
please. --D-y

Kerry Montgomery said:

Hi all,
Have been thinking about building a bike using NOS 1970s parts. Am I taking
an unreasonable risk, especially with the Cinelli stem? Is there a test that
could be done to the stem to verify that it's sound?

The bars can break. Maybe only after long service/abuse, like my 66's
<g>, at the end of the center sleeve. Right before going down the big
hill, too. A *lucky* break <g>.

Bars with no marks or "frost", (really NOS) should be OK.

I used a Cinelli 1A stem that had a huge casting flaw close to the
clamp end (young, stupid). So much "extra" material, it never broke.

(beating half to death dept.): Cinelli as others have noted made bars/
stems in 26.4 and 26.0. Real, virginal NOS, matching diameters,
please. --D-y