Questions tagged [stem]

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

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Is stem cap redundant after tightening stem bolts?

Is it right to think that after the preload is set, and the stem bolts are tightened, the stem cap becomes redundant? Will the preload be held fixed by the stem? If so, does that mean the stem cap can ...
John M.'s user avatar
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4 votes
6 answers
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I stripped one of four bolts on the faceplate of my stem. Is the stem usable until the replacement arrives?

The aluminium stem on my road bike says the max torque for each of the four faceplate bolts is 6nm. So I set my calibrated torque wrench to 6nm... and one of the bolts stripped its thread. I guess “...
52d6c6af's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
296 views

Are Adjustable Stems With Reasonable Merit?

[Question overhauled after I realised it appeared snobbish, narrow and not in good faith, as pointed out by @gschenk . This sentiment originated due to a recent failure with a critical bolt mechanism ...
An Ant's user avatar
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0 answers
100 views

What Dahon adjustable handlebar stem would suit my Dahon MU XL Sport Bike

I own Dahon Mu xL Sport foldable bike and use it for exercise. I have a back problem and would like to fit a Dahon adjustable stem to keep my riding position more upright. I have tried adjusting the ...
Maurice Power's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
228 views

Negative 17 80mm stem on MTB?

I currently have a 27.5 hardtail mtb. I use it for commutes and traveling rather than trails or downhill tracks. I'm planning on upgrading some parts and one of them is the stem. Will a -17° stem have ...
Anonymous newbee's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
366 views

Adjustable Andros-like stem for 31.8 handlebar

I have used the Tern Andros stem system and got one with it well. Recently I acquired a Riese and Muller folding bike, which has an adjustment system which (for me) is less comfortable. It puts the ...
Jim's user avatar
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0 answers
116 views

Can a 2cm lower ETT and 3cm lower stack make a big difference

I have recently been testing two mountain bikes: one with a 44cm (~17.5") frame, which I bought second-hand and one with a 45.7cm frame (~18"), which I bought new but want to return it as I ...
PhantomR's user avatar
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9 votes
3 answers
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Why the small difference between common sizes of handlebars (31.8mm) and MTB seatposts (31.6mm)?

Many handlebars have a 31.8mm clamp section, and a common MTB seatpost size is 31.6mm. I know these are both around 1 1/4 inches. Why the 0.2mm difference though?
MaplePanda's user avatar
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What's the generic name for this threaded/decorative "stem cap" on a Delta threadless steer tube extender

I picked up one of these Delta threadless stem risers / steer tube extenders so I could try out different handle bars heights on my gravel bike without going through a bunch of stems (since shops near ...
MikeyC's user avatar
  • 640
3 votes
2 answers
233 views

Is it possible to set this fork steerer / stem higher?

Is it possible to set the stem / steerer higher in Cannondale R300? It feels like I need higher stack and I wouldn't like to tilt the drop bars from their current position. Bonus question: are stem ...
Xpector's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
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Carbon steerer with expander plug under the stem, should I be worried?

I just bought a custom fixed gear frame that comes with a carbon fork with carbon steerer, off a guy who already cut the steerer lower than the stem so that the cap can sit flush on the stem. Normally ...
Rizki Hadiaturrasyid's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
320 views

Quill stem bolt is covered

I've just got a new bike (ordered online). It came all assemebled except for the handlebar stem (quill type) which is completely sideways. I believe I need to loosen the stem bolt and reorient it, ...
Han's user avatar
  • 23
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Replacing stem bolts

Rather than replace the stem on every rusty bike I come across, I want to replace some stem bolts which are rusted, cheap original ones. I know they can differ in size a bit so I would get some that ...
Swifty's user avatar
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What brand is this stem?

Just wondering if anyone can identify the logo of the brand on this stem, thanks.
Jacko's user avatar
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1 answer
193 views

Adjustable stem busted - Do I need to replace the whole stem?

Today on my 2018 Pegasus Solero the adjustable stem broke. Probably due to overtightening of the righthand screw the nut at the left side of the stem tore free (see images). The question is, whether ...
Erik's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
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Clarification on the steerer tube torque of the stem bolts

On my stem a label says "All max. 8 Nm" next to the handlebar clamp bolts. This is the only labeling: On the internet I found other values ranging from 20 - 30 or even 10 - 30. Refer to: This ...
try-catch-finally's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
704 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 ...
Adam Rice's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
3k 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 ...
GoldmanT's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
3k 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 ...
Vladimir F Героям слава's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
334 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 ...
Alessandro Cosentino's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
3k 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 ...
Noah P's user avatar
  • 137
3 votes
3 answers
4k 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, ...
Alex Goldie's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
5k 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 ...
Matt Solomon's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
288 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 ...
arunasm's user avatar
  • 23
1 vote
0 answers
74 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) ...
Kris Beer's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
6k 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 ...
tomandco's user avatar
  • 199
0 votes
2 answers
1k 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 ...
HelpfulHandGrenade51's user avatar
0 votes
5 answers
3k 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 ...
Brian's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
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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 ...
nimcap's user avatar
  • 337
1 vote
2 answers
111 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 ...
Joey Shimmel's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
345 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 ...
dsbmac's user avatar
  • 21
0 votes
1 answer
698 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 ...
Lam Munn Jun's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
1k 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 ...
Marion S's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
380 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 ...
MTTI's user avatar
  • 193
0 votes
2 answers
625 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 ...
L.Dutch's user avatar
  • 7,071
2 votes
1 answer
406 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 ...
Alessandro Cosentino's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
10k 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?
Lam Munn Jun's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
1k 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 ...
awm's user avatar
  • 143
2 votes
2 answers
197 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 ...
Paul Roper's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
8k 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 ...
user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
8k 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 ...
ruedi's user avatar
  • 697
3 votes
1 answer
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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 ...
Steven's user avatar
  • 81
3 votes
1 answer
2k 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 ...
Saaru Lindestøkke's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
3k 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 ...
Zena Mesfin's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
2k 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 ...
Ne Mo's user avatar
  • 1,385
5 votes
1 answer
7k 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 ...
Lefty's user avatar
  • 155
2 votes
2 answers
2k 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 ...
Dazzamac's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
1k 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 ...
dgo's user avatar
  • 113
11 votes
5 answers
3k 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 where ...
kqr's user avatar
  • 281
2 votes
1 answer
187 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 ...
Finn's user avatar
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