Bicycles

Questions tagged [stem]

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The stem is the part of the bicycle that secures the handlebars to the fork.

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5
votes
2answers
452 views

Threadless stem keeps loosening [duplicate]

I recently got a 2018 Felt VR30. I've been riding for a long time, but this is the first bike I've ever had with a carbon fork, and only the second I've had with a threadless headset. The problem I'm ...
3
votes
2answers
325 views

Effects of longer and higher stem on rider position/comfort and handling

My first road bike, and the bars feel a little low and a little close. What would be the effects of switching to a stem that is 10-20mm longer, and either the same angle so the bars are slightly ...
2
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1answer
141 views

Tightening steerer expander/compressor and spacer positions with a carbon fork

I had ugly clicking noises coming from the headset before and after a warranty exchange of a fork (the reason for the exchange was on the other end). I have identified the clicking as coming from the ...
0
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0answers
63 views

How many degrees does the stem of a Canyon integrated cockpit rise?

I am plotting a Canyon Ultimate bike on BikeCad, but I can't find how many degrees the stem rises. The stem is part of the Canyon H36 integrated cockpit. In general, manifacturers of integrated-stem ...
1
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1answer
237 views

Raising handlebars using a stem raiser on B'twin Triban 500

I've just got a second hand B'twin Triban 500. The seat goes easily high enough, but I've not used a road bike before and the handlebars are far too low for me, even with all the spacers in place. I ...
3
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3answers
439 views

Replacement stem cap and bolt

Our oldest son has been alternating between mine and my wife’s bike (Carreras from Halfords) whenever he has to go anywhere, but over the last week or so we noticed he had stopped using my bike, ...
1
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3answers
475 views

Bike fit: Adjusting stem angle vs. height

I'm playing with my fit a bit as I have gotten much more flexible since I had a bike fit 2 years ago (+1 to stretching and foam rolling.) As I'm experimenting with drop I am wondering if it makes ...
2
votes
2answers
94 views

Broken bearing cover near stem

I have a small issue with a bearing cover/seal (not sure how it's called properly) that I would like to fix. I'm attaching the picture for clarity. I imagine I should just replace the part but I have ...
1
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0answers
55 views

Custom dutch bike project [closed]

Here I am a Kiwi in the Netherlands with a little dutch bike project underway. The internal of the steerer tube is 19.3mm (give or take) so I am unable to put a 1" - 1" 1/4 (32mm Handlebar diameter) ...
5
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2answers
1k views

Is my carbon fork steerer tube damaged by overtightened stem bolts

As per the title: I've had my bike serviced by a bike shop, who helpfully tightened up the stem cap and pinch bolts on my headset. I rode it approx 15 km (9 miles) and I noticed some play in the ...
0
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2answers
157 views

What are the pros and cons of suspension seats and suspension handlebars?

The title says it all, but I’ll add more specifics to give a better understanding of my particular situation. I am a on-road commuter with little-to-no dirt roads in my routes, many of the roads are ...
0
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5answers
717 views

Can a hybrid bike's stem be slammed to make it nearly as fast and powerful as a road or cyclocross bike?

Can a hybrid bike's stem be slammed to make it nearly as fast and powerful as a road or cyclocross bike? More aggressive positions are thought to improve power transfer. That means a better workout ...
4
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1answer
2k views

Broken stem, how to fix?

My crappy bike (Aldo Cadenazzi) was squeaking for the last two days. Then today the stem broke. Luckily I was very slow when it happened. How can I fix it? I have read a little bit about threadless ...
1
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2answers
68 views

Problem at bottom of threaded stem

I just bought 2002 Specialized Expedition Elite 3×9 speed bike. The bike comes with stock threaded stem. It was taken apart for service. And upon reassembly the bottom of the stem is catching and not ...
1
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2answers
72 views

How do I adjust this adjustable quill stem? Any ideas? [SOLVED]

I can't tilt lower the stem. There is a bolt underneath the horizontal stem. I loosened it and am able to tilt the stem up from 30 to 40 degrees. I want to lower it though but for some reason cannot ...
0
votes
1answer
354 views

Short stem & riser bars on XC [closed]

I found a crack under my handlebar and I'm thinking of buying a riser bar and a shorter stem for my mountain bike. is it a good idea? I don't ride on trails, not because i don't want to, I just don't ...
0
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1answer
122 views

Why does my stem have no bolts?

I am fixing this bike for a friend. The headset is wobbly. All the instructions I find online for how to tighten it stress loosening the stem bolts first, but this bike has none. Is that why, despite ...
3
votes
2answers
190 views

Reducer for 1“ fork and 1 1/8” stem

So I have a steel road bike which orignially had a 1" threaded fork. I replaced it for a ahead fork and have been using this with a 1" Ahead stem without issues. The stem was just a temporary ...
0
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2answers
120 views

Wobbly stem: serious issue or not?

I went test riding a second hand bike. During the test I have found that the stem was wobbly around the axis defined by the red star in the picture. I have tried changing the tilt of the stem to ...
2
votes
1answer
158 views

What's this part from inside the steering tube?

I wanted to replace a stem with a new one, so I first tried to screw the top cap off. What happened is that instead of the cap, the piece in the picture came out. What is the name? Is it bad that it ...
2
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2answers
1k views

What's the difference in threaded and threadless headset and stem

What's the difference in threadless and threaded headsets and stems? Why change it? is it because it's easier for maintenance?
1
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2answers
262 views

How to read stem measurements?

I'm thinking of getting a shorter stem for my road bike. But I don't understand how they measure in terms of lenth and angle. I measured it from center to center and it came up to 4.25 inches. I'm ...
2
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2answers
124 views

Can anyone help me identify this stem binder nut

This nut (pictured) fits the binder bolt from a vintage 3ttt stem. I would like to know the name of this nut, or the type of nut this is so that I can try to buy more. So far, I've found similar ...
2
votes
2answers
4k views

How can I find the perfect handlebar height?

I test-rode a bike (2018 Specialized Rockhopper Sport) and I liked everything except the height of the handlebars, and it's the XL size so there's no larger option available. I feel like it would be ...
1
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1answer
3k views

How to adjust the handlebar alignment with front wheel?

I have the follwing stem My handlebar is a bit too much right and I am not sure what screw(s) I have to loosen the one on top (in the headset) or the two left on the picture above or maybe all of ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views

How do I remove my bicycle handlebars that are connected by a single rusted bolt?

I'm trying to remove the HANDLEBARS from the stem of my bike and the handlebars are put into the stem and secured with a bolt. However, the bolt is rusted and will not budge no matter how hard I go at ...
2
votes
1answer
458 views

How can I tilt up a stem of my bike's handlebar which is held by two bolts?

I bought a second hand hybrid bike and would like to adjust the stem of the handlebars such that I can ride it in a more upright position. The following photo shows a side view of the stem with an ...
2
votes
1answer
777 views

Can tricep pain be cause by having a smaller bike frame?

Some context, my boyfriend bought a used carbon frame bike because it was a good deal, I feel like recent tricep soreness is caused by his biking on a bike that is too small for him or wrongly ...
1
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2answers
700 views

The stem connects the handlebars to the…?

If this is a stem... ... what's this? I'm asking because I need to buy a taller one so I don't have to bend over as far. It's not convenient to buy a new bike, and I already have an adjustable stem ...
5
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1answer
2k views

Can't Tighten Handlebars

I have an old Trek mountain bike with a "Traditional" handlebar stem (Quill stem?) and I've suddenly become unable to adequately tighten the stem to a) remain in line with the wheel and b) stop the ...
2
votes
2answers
776 views

Lowering the stem on a Canyon Endurace

I have a Canyon Endurace XL frame with a 110mm stem which I currently have slammed. I've started racing this year and am very comfortable in the drops for the entire race, which makes me think that I ...
1
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1answer
460 views

Replace / Repair Diamondback bike stem

I have a Diamondback Edgewood 26" hybrid bike. I believe it is a 2008 model. Mostly it's a great bike and it certainly serves my needs right now. However, the stem has become loose so the ...
8
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5answers
2k views

Broken stem tube – LBS “just” lowered handlebars. Is this safe?

I have asked this elsewhere on the internet as well, but this is the Stack Exchange adaptation. I have three related questions and I'll try to make it clear what they are. Here's some background ...
2
votes
1answer
105 views

Handlebar of my bike will not bolt onto the front forks

I decided I'd like to remove my front brake from my bmx, but having looked closer i realised I was looking at a gyro brake system. I proceeded anyway, thinking this wasn't going to be a problem, and I ...
5
votes
1answer
3k views

Are stem height extenders safe to use?

I was trying to determine the longest length I can safely cut my steer tube, then I learned about stem extenders. I have to wonder, if you cut your steer tube to the maximum recommended length for ...
1
vote
1answer
208 views

Straight 1" OD quill stem for Townie

I have an Electra Townie with handlebars offset 2 1/8" forward of stem tube. Is there a replacement quill stem available that would line up handlebars with stem tube? Center of handlebars needs to ...
3
votes
1answer
697 views

Longer stem, need to re-cable?

When I got my bike built, I chose a 60mm-long stem. It's a single-speed bike with front and rear cantilever break (cyclocross model.) After riding on the bike for a couple of months, I have decided ...
3
votes
1answer
197 views

Why is my stem shim angled?

This is what my stem shim looks like: Why is it angled like that? Does it have a purpose? I lowered my handlebars and with that angle it looks hideous. The stem sticks out over the spacers now. When ...
2
votes
1answer
435 views

Minimum insert for stem: line or arrow

I would like to raise my handlebar and have come across the following markings on my stem. Can I raise this stem only until the upper arrow disappears or does "Min Insert" refer to the line below and ...
4
votes
2answers
894 views

Increase the height of my handlebars to reduce back pain

I have an early 80s Trek 970 Single track that is an awesome bike, but as an older rider who doesn't ride trails as much, would like to ride in a more upright position. The handlebars are for the ...
0
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1answer
617 views

Quill stem diameter not matching the fork…possible to get around this?

I refurbished my bike and in the process got a new shiny quill stem to replace the original threadless stem. Unfortunately, like a dunce I forgot to ensure that the diameter of the stem adapter (the ...
2
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3answers
2k views

Tall rider - good cockpit/body position for downhill

I have been riding mountain bikes since a long time, and I am riding only downhill/bikeparks since 2009. I've had several bikes, but I've never been in a real comfortable position when riding (or if I ...
4
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2answers
1k views

Can I use a road bike stem on my mountain bike?

I've got a XC mtb which 1. I'm trying to cut the weight off , 2. I want a bit extra reach. I've got a longer road bike stem made by 'Deda' (I think Planet X)? and I was wondering if it will be strong ...
2
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1answer
1k views

What fork size is 32mm (inside diameter on the frame) considered?

Good day, I'm new to the whole bike building process, but I've finally decided to make the step and build a semi-nice bike. I've bought a really nice aluminium frame 2nd hand, but its sizing has me ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views

Removing top cap and stem from Acros headset?

I recently bought a used Canyon Ultimate that has an Acros headset on it. I'm trying to remove the stem but for the life of me can't figure out how to take it off. The top cap doesn't have a vertical ...
3
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3answers
7k views

25 degree rise stem vs 6 degree rise stem with taller head tube - how is handling affected?

All, I’m shopping for a new road bike with endurance geometry (more upright position and shorter top tube), 9mm drop saddle-to-bars. I’ve had a Guru fit done by a professional fitter. The main ...
0
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1answer
400 views

How to fit forks to fixie frame [closed]

I have just ordered a fixie frame with no forks. I will need to order a set of forks and cut them correctly (to the right size) so I can install my headset. Are there any tips/ tutorials on how to ...
2
votes
1answer
350 views

Bar diameter for Genesis Croix de fer 20 (2015)

I would like to switch my stem for angle adjustable one and I am having trouble identifying the clamp size for the Gensis, Croix de Fer 20 (2015). I do not see the stem/bar clamp spec listed. There ...
5
votes
1answer
3k views

What are the advantages of handlebars with an integrated stem?

I was doing a bit of research for an upcoming handlebar purchase, and came across this strange piece of hardware -- handlebars with an integrated stem (or possibly a stem with integrated bars). So ...
3
votes
1answer
3k views

Switching from a quill stem to an stem adapter?

I have a bike I've owned for 15 years. The bike came with a quill stem, but now that I'm riding it more and more I want to buy a stem adapter. I'd like to raise the handle bar (presumably so I can be ...

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