Questions tagged [stem]
The stem is the part of the bicycle that secures the handlebars to the fork.
168
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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 ...
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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
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1
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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
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1
answer
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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
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1
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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 ...
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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 ...
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1
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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 ...
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3
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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 ...
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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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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
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1
answer
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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 ...
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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 ...
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1
answer
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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
1
answer
505
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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 ...
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1
answer
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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
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1
answer
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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 ...
4
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2
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Another stem diameter question (French steerer)
The steerer in the French bike I'm restoring has about .2mm less diameter than "regular" ones. With some grease, I manage to fit the "regular" cinelli stem I will use into the steerer. (Mine is the ...
4
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2
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8k
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Front wheel lifting on climbs on my Mountain Bike
I've got a full suspension XC/AM 29er mountain bike (Gary Fisher Hi-Fi Pro). I'm running a size small frame with an 80mm stem with about 7 degree rise. Bike seems like a good fit for me. I do run the ...
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4
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Would Lowering my Handlebars Help my Performance?
I ride now with pretty decent comfort, I have no real back/neck/shoulder pain. As I ride now I feel decent, but I feel as though I might be in too much of an upright position on the bike to get the ...
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1
answer
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Raising the bars on a stock Giant Escape Hybrid
I have a stock Giant Escape 1 Hybrid which I would like to raise the handle bars on for a more upright position. I'm looking for comfort not speed on my commute.
Am I right in thinking the easiest ...
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1
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Is it okay to flip a stem
The stem on my bike is at roughly negative five degrees. If I were to flip it upside down, thus making it positive five degrees, might I be putting pressure on parts of it that were not designed for ...
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Stem diameter question
Changing to an adjustable Ritchey stem on my Trek 7.3. My bars are 25.4 and the stem I'm looking at is stated to be for 25.8-26. With this being half a millimetre bigger, will it still fit ok?
Many ...
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1
answer
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Is a long, high angle stem safe to use with a carbon steerer?
I purchased a hardly used road bike someone else had built up for a deal a few weeks ago, and am a bit disappointed with the fit - it's fine for rides less than a couple hours, but too aggressive for ...
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Creaking when in the saddle
I know there are about a million questions on here about creaking while pedaling, but I haven't seen one that relates...apologies if I missed one. I bought a 2011 BMC Streetracer SR02 last year; ...
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How does a quill stem without a front bolt work?
Looking at quill stems I noticed this rather curious one and I couldn't imagine how it secured the handlebars without an apparent bolt. Any ideas?
more images
2
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1
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Adjustable stem issue
Hello I have a quill adjustable stem on a Raleigh Royale. (The bike is an absolute dream to ride, wonderful seat and great gearing) My issue is that the handlebars wobble, both front and back and side ...
2
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2
answers
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French handlebar fit
I have an Atax stem ('85 Peugeot). Original steel handlebars are 25 mm.
Is it prudent to spread the stem to accommodate Nitto 25.4 randonneur bars?
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3
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3k
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Replacing mountain bike bars & stem with drop bars
I have a mid-1990s Specialized Rockhopper. I've trashed the flat bars that were on it previously and I want to install drop bars, but to make that comfortable for me I'll want a shorter and higher ...
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2
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Should I be able to 'manually' rotate the headset?
When I wrap my fingers around my roadie's headset, I'm able to 'rotate' some parts of it freely around.
Should this be happening? If it should not be happening, what is causing this and is it ...
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Bike is slightly too large, shorten the stem?
I feel that my bike frame is slightly too large because I'm stretching out quite a bit even when on the hoods.
I'm considering swapping out my 90mm stem for a 35mm or 40mm stem
It seems like these ...
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1
answer
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Can I use a 1" stem on a 1 & 1/8" steer tube?
I have a Nitto Technomic stem that I'd like to use on a '92 trek 930 with the idea of converting it from a mountain bike to a poor man's expedition touring bike with drops.
I found this shim that ...
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1
answer
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Can´t remove BMX stem top cap bolt (won´t loosen)
I was trying to remove the handlebar and stem of my bike in order to be replace them. The bike has got a BMX stem and the top cap bolt is spinning freely in both clock and counterclockwise.
Any idea ...
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torque specification on headset
I was wondering why there is a torque specification on the steer tube end of the stem for mountainbikes.
The torque specification that goes to the handlebar is reasonable, after all handlebars are ...
2
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1
answer
773
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Replacing stem on non-oversize bars
I have a road bike from Circa 2003 and it currently boasts an ITM Millenium stem. The stem is a bit long for my liking at around 130mm and I was thinking of replacing it with a shorter one for a ...
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1
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What could be the reason for stem this far away
I own a bicycle similar to this one:
(I replaced the handlebars with straight one on mine)
I know that there were some weird designs back in '90s, but some reason probably exists for creating a bike ...
4
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3
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Dropped the Wedge of a quill stem in the head tube
Trying to remove a seized quill stem and did a beginner's mistake of removing the stem bolt.
I could not thread back the bolt.
Is there a better way to thread back the bolt to the wedge for me to ...
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2
answers
5k
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Handlebar stem : height vs length
I want to decrease the reach of my handlebars.
Does it matter whether I increase the height or get a stem with a smaller length(extension?) on my bike?
And is there any way to calculate the relation ...
2
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2
answers
1k
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Screw cap stuck in adjustable stem connection, how to remove or reattach?
I was trying to detach my handlebar, because lowering was insufficient to make my bicycle fit in my box. I detached the long screw going connecting two lids thereby fastening the stem-handlebar ...
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Is it possible to compensate a short sized frame by adjusting seatpost and stem?
Could you achieve the same position you would have on a bigger frame by raising seatpost and stem? And how could I adjust those to "simulate" a bigger sized frame?
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Combining flat bar and aerobar: Double stem setup or alternatives?
I'm currently running a pair of clip-on aerobars (Syntace C2) on my long distance touring bike. I've set the aerobars up quite high, as for me they are not so much about the aero-part (though it still ...
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What would be the handling of a bike with reversed stem?
There are short and long stems:
What effect does changing the stem length have on my bikes handling
There are flat bars and there are curved back bars for comfort upright position:
There even ...
4
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2
answers
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Installation of a shorter stem
I want to install a shorter stem onto my mountain bike, can I just swap them out or will I need to get the star nut replaced or reset?
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1
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How do I remove a quill stem?
(I recently got an old Favorit road bike (made in Czechoslovakia) and started restoring it. In order to give the frame a new coat of paint, I need to strip it down from everything.)
I'm stuck with the ...
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Is there a difference between mountain and road stems?
I see them advertised as being good for one or the other. Is there really a difference? Or is it just a marketing gimmick?
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How do you make the handlebar stem straight?
I adjusted my stem height the other day, and since then, the stem hasn't felt straight. I've attempted to straighten it a few times, but because I'm just eyeballing it, the handlebars don't quite seem ...
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3
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Long Quill Stem?
I picked up a used mid 1990s Serotta Colorado CSI (lugged steel) bike. It is a size 54L which in Serottas from that era means it has a 54 seat tube but a 55 top tube. The size was not intentional, it ...
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Upgrading my cockpit- brakes, stem and bars for longer reach
I want to upgrade my cockpit so that I have a longer reach. I currently use it as my city bike. Its an old vintage HR bates frame. Currently the stem is a little short. I want to change the bars - ...
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Getting the right cockpit position. Sliding forward. What should I adjust to keep my sit bones on the seat?
I am experienced rider and I'm looking for some advice on how to adjust my cockpit position. I am a daily commuter, and do regular 40-50k rides on the weekends, and with the warmer weather will work ...
3
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4
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BMX stem slipping; how to stop?
I recently bought a BMX bike that currently has all stock parts. Recently, with the school and weather, I haven't been able to ride it that much. Anyways, when I picked it up from the shop, the bars ...
2
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2
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Rust proof or not the outside of a steel steerer column beneath the stem
I have a new steel frame which I am building up. I intend to rust proof this first by using Waxoyl made by Hammerite which I will use on the inside of the frame and forks.
Should I use this on the ...