The 31.8 clamp that defines the OS or oversized system has become the gold standard by which all road handlebars and stems are judged. This didn’t happen over night, it has been a gradual process, as we know how roadies can be with their equipment. The truth is that cyclists don’t like change so transitions take time, but in some cases it just plain makes sense. We can all think of a number of trends that we passed through thankfully, but there are others that we could not now do without.

So then why does DSC only stock OS bars and stems? Simple: the future. If you are not ahead of it, it will be ahead of you. This is where all of the present roads are leading, so we’re looking to follow. So then this is just some kind of gimmick, right? Not at all, the benefits to riding with a 31.8 clamp are substantial enough to say that in the coming years, MTB riders will be hard pressed to find a high end bar or stem that isn’t OS compatible. So here’s a brief but focused list as to why you should switch over to the OS system if you haven’t already seen or paid attention to it:

·        This is the future of cycling

·        Extremely minimal addition to weight, we’re talking about 10g or so

·        If the weight penalty isn’t an issue for roadies, you mountain bikers shouldn’t even flinch

·        While the diameter looks extreme, a little intimidating and aggressive, consider that the walls of the bar can be thinned out so as to not gain weight but still add a noticeable amount of stiffness

·        Strength isn’t a huge factor for lighter weight riders, or those who are less aggressive, but for roadies who like to hammer out of the saddle and mountain bikers who are pushing the limits of your bike, this improves your ride quality and overall handling

·        Think about what frame manufacturers are doing with their aluminum frames to shave weight while retaining strength and stiffness

·        Its immediate purpose is not to simplify things, but it is a nice byproduct

·        Did we mention that it LOOKS COOLER!!

So if there’s no weight penalty even though it adds aesthetics, strength, stiffness, durability the big question should be: WHY NOT ride the OS system?  The choice is clear. So don’t think this is some kind of scheme by DSC to cut back on inventory or make it easy on us. On the contrary, it’s a little more work to go through each customer to explain the benefits of a system that is rapidly becoming the standard anyways. We’re just trying to provide you with the most up to date information available.

Still need a different size clamp? No worries, often times we still carry different sizes on hand just in case and if we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for we’re perfectly capable of ordering it up for you – and none of this 7-10 business days that other bike shops make you wait. We get most items within 1-4 business days and get the item shipped out right away so that you don’t have to sit around waiting for it. We’re on it!