Questions tagged [stem]

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

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Is it unsafe to put a stoker stem on the front?

This year my wife and I bought a used tandem and have been having fun. We like long rides on our singles, but the tandem cockpit is uncomfortable for me. I'd like to put an extra-long stem on the ...
Wesley's user avatar
  • 183
2 votes
1 answer
239 views

Can I add headset spacers below an adjustable stem?

Can I add headset spacers below an adjustable stem, specifically the Promax A-headset stem on the Cannondale Adventure 1? I want to change the stock handlebar to something with more sweep, but most ...
Peachy's user avatar
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0 answers
38 views

Unable to inflate tire

In the picture, the valve stem seems loose and I am able to pull it. The air pump hose does not stay attached to the valve stem when I try to inflate it. In fact, pumping air seems very easy so air is ...
user2716454's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
196 views

Will a New Horizontal Stem Riser Support a Front Child Seat

I recently bought a Lectric XPedition. My goal was for it to transport my 3 kids, 2 in back and the youngest with a front child seat. When I received the ebike, the collapsible handlebars made that ...
Morgan Kenyon's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
581 views

How do you interpret "minimum insertion" of a quill stem?

I have a 1" threaded fork here, longer than usual. The headset nuts have been separated by a significant number of spacers. So many, that if the quill stem is inserted to the minimum, almost none ...
Noise's user avatar
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1 vote
4 answers
157 views

How can I know if a new stem will result in a more upright riding position?

I recently got a new hybrid bike for commuting and recreation. I like it but the riding position is a little bit too aggressive. This is fine for the short term but I am thinking of customizing it so ...
Cave Johnson's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
312 views

How do I remove a stem cap with no visible bolt?

I want to replace my bike's stem cap, but it seems to have a cover over the bolt that I can't figure out how to remove. I've tried loosening the bolts that are underneath it, but that didn't seem to ...
Nimmy's user avatar
  • 33
7 votes
3 answers
1k views

Does it really matter if my stem doesn’t block the hub?

6’3” tall Bianchi via nirone c2c Alu carb 2010 bike. I got hit by a car and am just rebuilding this bike so I can ride (the other one was totaled). The 120mm stem on it made the steering very skittish....
Bigonabianchi's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
168 views

Creaking sound, stem extender/steerer tube assembly

In the last few weeks a creaking sound has developed somewhere in the stem/stem extender/ steerer tube assembly. I noticed it when going over bumps, but only when my hands are on the handlebar. ...
Derek Lawrence's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
145 views

What kind of damage is to be expected from a threadless headset with too tight adjustment?

Recently I had to refit the stem on my full carbon fork as I tried different stem heights. When adjusting the headset I initially tightened the top cap way too much because the fork was still pretty ...
conste's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
195 views

Scratch around carbon steerer from aluminium stem. Is this to be expected?

I wanted to lower the stem on my one month old road bike and noticed that the stem already left a noticable mark in the carbon steerer. Seems that the lower edge scraped into the material. Stem was ...
conste's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
702 views

About to cut my steerer tube, can I just measure the spacers and mark at that distance?

I have a chimney of 3 spacers which I would like to remove (cosmetic reasons mostly). I am not sure about marking at 2-3mm under the stem's top and cutting there. A bit too much of eyeballing. I feel ...
Learning is a mess's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
445 views

Steerer tube flush with top of stem

I bought a secondhand suspension fork online and the steerer tube has been cut to 170mm which I thought was plenty from what I calculated, turns out not so much. After doing a quick test install, the ...
Thierry 95's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
133 views

Slipping handle bar, how to torque safely

I ride a bow shaped handlebar mounted in quill stem. I am riding this with a somewhat sporty setup, which means I do have weight on my hands and thus handlebar grips. Originally I torqued this to 8Nm....
Superman.Lopez's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
173 views

Giant contend 3 stem adjustments possible?

Looking to buy a Giant Contend 3 2022, would like to make the bike less aggressive for commuting purposes. I went to the shop and sales person said stem height is not adjustable on this but can be ...
Lightsout's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
131 views

Which Blendr Duo Base is compatible with the stem of the 2023 Trek Roscoe 8

I own 2023 Trek Roscoe 8 https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/roscoe/roscoe-8/p/35117/ Its stem is listed as: Bontrager alloy, 31.8mm, Blendr compatible, 7 ...
Branislav Abadjimarinov's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
836 views

Stem top bolt wouldn't screw in after transport

I transported my bike via plane in a canyon shuttle 2. It was well secured and safe. To pack it up I had to unscrew the top stem bolt and unhinge the stem along with the handlebars. Once I attempted ...
Ivan's user avatar
  • 559
9 votes
2 answers
1k views

Threadless handlbar stem bolts - grease, threadlock, anti-seize, or dry?

I'm reinstalling a threadless stem after cleaning and degreasing. There are two sets of bolts: the faceplate bolts that attach the handlebars to the stem and the pinch bolts that clamp the stem to the ...
SSilk's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
1k views

What is causing leaks where metal meets rubber on stem?

What causes a bicycle tube to leak where the metal meets the rubber on a Schrader valve stem? I've had three tubes fail the same way over the past year. I make sure the stems are perpendicular to the ...
Zack's user avatar
  • 203
5 votes
1 answer
506 views

Is it possible to use a 26mm clamp diameter stem with a 24mm handlebar?

I am considering getting a stem, which is meant for a 26mm grip area diameter. However, the handlebar I want to use it with is 24mm diameter (this diameter is uniform, so 24mm both at the grip and at ...
goose_lake's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
964 views

Some spacers on top of stem or all under?

Is there a big difference between having like a few spacers on top of the stem and then a few on the bottom compared to placing all of them at the bottom? Or is this just personal preference. Asking ...
exoad's user avatar
  • 85
2 votes
2 answers
292 views

Easily misaligned handlebars when using stem raiser

I use a Delta Stem Raiser (maybe also called a stem extender, handlebar riser, steerer tube extender) to make my handlebars "taller" (higher up than they could typically go) on my bike's ...
Will Haley's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
375 views

Are they called handlebar "upsweep" and "backsweep" because only one quadrant is usable?

The title says it all. Are the two rotations of MTB flat bars (question updated in italics) called "upsweep" and "backsweep" because only one quadrant is usable? Is there never a ...
Sam7919's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
188 views

Dunlop valve stem problem

I got new Dunlop valves (modern) to replace the damaged Dunlop valves for both the front and rear tires. The valve replacement was easy for the front tire. But for some reason when it comes to rear ...
Vikram Reddy's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
248 views

What kind of load should I put on in simulation if I were to design a stem in CAD?

I am planning to build a steel bike myself and want to pair it with a custom stem. I came across someone selling 3d printed stems in my area. So I decided to design myself a stem that is compatible ...
Zyleyus's user avatar
  • 191
6 votes
4 answers
376 views

How does this stem/headset work?

I have a bicycle (Göricke, circa. 2012) with an unusual stem. It appears to have a quick-release nut which can rotate through a quarter turn. Here is a picture, with the dust cap removed: I would ...
onewhaleid's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
225 views

Do bicycle stems have certified usage ratings (road/XC/Enduro/DH)?

Clamping dimensions aside, are all stems rated for all the cycling disciplines, especially in the MTB domain? In other words, are stem manufacturers liable to guarantee their products to be safe to ...
Grigory Rechistov's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
514 views

How many spacers can I place above the stem on an alloy steerer tube?

I installed a new stem with different height to the previous one and now would have to place two spacers above it to make it adjustable. As the stem is clamping full height to the steerer tube I think ...
conste's user avatar
  • 493
8 votes
2 answers
1k views

What makes a stem a "mountain bike stem" and why might it not be suitable for (or clamp properly on) a road bike?

I am about to purchase a stem labeled "Mountain Stem" with the two diameters: 1-1/8" steerer 31.8mm bar clamp to install on a road bike. There is stock of "road bike stems", ...
Sam7919's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
227 views

What is caad13 compression plug torque?

I tried to find it online but I couldn't. I'd like to know recommended top cap torque too.
ice man's user avatar
  • 383
2 votes
1 answer
321 views

Is this damage on this stem faceplate screw threads a safety issue?

I had to adjust a handle bar of an older road bike I want to start using again. When unscrewing the handle bar to stem bolts I noticed that the washers had grinded into the aluminium already. As I had ...
conste's user avatar
  • 493
4 votes
3 answers
379 views

Question about stem play

I screwed the top cap screw clockwise to remove play in the stem but I wonder if the stem has to be never moving or theres a point the headset is softly moving like rubber I assume bearing is still ...
ice man's user avatar
  • 383
2 votes
1 answer
118 views

Where do I locate/install the compression plug for my stem in my carbon steer tube?

I have Cannondale Si compression plug with flat top cap and I am using a Bontragar Blender Pro stem on my CADD 13. I wondered how I should locate my compression plug within the carbon steerer tube of ...
ice man's user avatar
  • 383
2 votes
1 answer
176 views

Do you move compresser plug when you lower the stem position

When steerer tube hadn't been cut and put spacers above the stem but compresser plug would stay the same position.
ice man's user avatar
  • 383
2 votes
2 answers
178 views

Cutting a slot in a quil stem

Just curious to know, is it possible and safe to cut this slotted part of the stem and make a new slot slot on top? I need a shorter stem for another project.
Rishi Ganasen's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
1k views

How do I install a quill stem extender?

I don’t understand how to install a quill stem extender. Photo included. I have my stem, the long screw and the wedge. The stem extender on the right has a stem, a long screw, and a wedge. The screws ...
Sarah's user avatar
  • 51
7 votes
3 answers
250 views

Will it be effective to use hot water and cold canned air to unjam a quill stem?

I have a bike frame that has been left outside for years, I tried to remove the stem by hitting the bolt with a hammer, using rust dissolver. I achieved nothing. We use a torch and water where I work ...
José Gregorio Ferrer Reyes's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
62 views

How do I center a basket attachment that's sitting between the stem and head tube

I messed up while building my daughter's bike and started turning this basket attachment around, until I realized I am looking at it from the wrong side. Now it's sitting at an angle. What tool ...
hyankov's user avatar
  • 111
6 votes
2 answers
217 views

Why are thorn resistant tubes prone to valve stem failures?

I would welcome knowledgeable answers rather than opinions please. I have been cycling 50+ years and now work in an LBS. I have seen numerous examples of so-called “thorn-proof” TP tubes, of different ...
Henry S's user avatar
  • 258
2 votes
1 answer
588 views

How do I remove the stem/fork on this style of vintage bike?

Picked up a cheap vintage bike, and I'm getting it ready for a family member to ride. I want to put a different stem/handlebars; but I'm unable to back out the quill to remove the stem. In checking ...
Israel Lopez's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
3k views

Ways to increase handlebar height?

Recently got my first bike with drop handlebars. After riding around for a while, I noticed some neck/trap/shoulder strain. I have tried adjusting the seat height, but I think the next best solution ...
Andalis's user avatar
  • 81
6 votes
2 answers
957 views

What's the ideal balance (forward/backward) in the saddle on an endurance road bike?

I got my first road bike (and found I favor endurance riding position), and I can't figure out if I'm positioned well in the saddle. It's as far aft as it goes, but I still feel like I'm falling ...
ETL's user avatar
  • 265
0 votes
1 answer
273 views

Slamming my stem considerations

I want to try a slammed stem but don't want to cut the steerer tube. Do I have to?
Charlie's user avatar
  • 31
8 votes
5 answers
5k views

How can I raise my handlebars when there are no spacers above the stem?

I have a threadless setup with no spacers above the stem. What is the simplest way to raise my handlebars?
Mastiff's user avatar
  • 313
1 vote
1 answer
662 views

Is this an integrated crown race?

The title says it all. I would like to change the bearings for my headset,but i have no idea if this crown race is removable. It is a Bontrager fork, probably from 2007. Thank you, From Norway.
Trym's user avatar
  • 31
2 votes
2 answers
667 views

Zero-gap stem (FSA Afterburner) inverted installation

My question is somewhat related to this one. I apologize in advance for such a long question! And thanks to everyone who manages to get to the end. I've bought an FSA Afterburner 12° stem. On the ...
Gene Pavlovsky's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
109 views

How to adjust when i am 5'5 foot tall and having a 42 cm roadbike frame?

Im planning to buy a roadbike frameset in my local store but they say that the size of the frame is 42cm and i am 5'5 should i buy that frame?
Darlonapala's user avatar
7 votes
5 answers
2k views

PRO LT Handlebar Stem asks to tighten top handlebar screws first before bottom screws? Conflicting manual instructions?

I bought this PRO (Shimano) LT handlebar stem. However, I'm having difficulty decoding the instructions in which to tighten the handlebar clamps. The stem itself has this piece of cardboard in between ...
andoofthewoods's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
1k views

Handlebar slips in quill stem clamp when going over bumps

I bought this new Kalloy quill stem, with Sakae 25.4mm handlebars as pictured below. The handlebars were purchased at an eBay auction. Here's the setup from the side I've tightened the handlebar ...
andoofthewoods's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

How to Remove This Fork?

I'm restoring another old bike of mine (20 y.o). Want to repaint the bike, but I need to remove all the parts. Trying to remove the old rusty fork but have no idea how to do it. I tried to remove the ...
codearm2's user avatar