Shorter NVO Stem for Super Galaxy

BrookeHender

This may be an obvious question, but I have been advised to buy a smaller stem, an NVO, for my Dawes Super Galaxy. I need a 9cm replacement. I cannot find anyone online that supplies them.

So the question is can I use another brand (which I don't think I can without replacing the whole thing) or are stems standard and I can use any other brand? They have to fit oversize bars.

Many thanks and any replies appreciated.

Brooke

meagain

In the Cycle (CTC Mag) review this month it mentions this stem system (I don't figure how it works!) and says available in 10 mm increments from 90 to 130 from NVOs importers Greyville Enterprises. It sounds as if, no, can't just replace with a standard a-head stem.

Any help?

Garybee

Had a quick look at the NVO site. It appears as if the NVO system uses a long tube (essentially a massive spacer) which slides over a standard steerer tube. This acts in exactly the same way as a normal spacer, applying a force to the headset bearings. Underneath the fork is the same as any other threadless fork. The only difference is the stem clamps to this tube instead of the steerer.

You could remove the top cap, NVO tube and stem. You could then fit a normal stem (you may need to cut down the steerer if you didn't want to use lots of spacers) of your choice.

BrookeHender

Thanks very much for the replies. I have sent e-mail to the importers and also to Dawes on the off-chance they have some information to add. I would like to just replace the bit that clamps to the bars rather than the whole thing, but it may well prove that I won't be able to.

Brooke

John.T

If you remove the ATS shim and NVO stem you can replace them with a normal stem and spacers. You will loose the NVO easy height adjustment though. You would have to adjust with the shims as most of us do anyway.

Check the NVO website. They list stems down to 85mm or 90mm depending on style and there is an address for the UK.
http://www.nvocomponents.com/index.html

meagain

An aside: is it a 2007 Super G? Aside from the "novel" h'set/stem fitting what do you think of it? The ones discounted to £650 LOOK to be a good deal at the price.

BrookeHender

It is a 2007 Super G and I have really enjoyed it since I bought it about five or six weeks ago. As I moved from a straight bar hybrid to drop bars there has been a period of readjustment and I had a fitting yesterday which has helped get it as comfortable as possible. Not much wrong for me, but a shorter stem is required from the standard for me (and hence the question).
I have found it surprisingly quick and comfortable and a real workhorse. I don't have a car (I live in London) and it performs all my main duties including the weekly shopping and it doesn't bat an eyelid. It is a pleasure to use on the daily commute (about 21 miles a day). Oh, I did change the saddle after my first long ride as I lost the feeling below for a while from it (and I mean a while). I have a honey Brooks B17 now which I think looks good with the colour of the bike and I rather like the look it provides.
I haven't once regretted buying it and I am really looking forward to getting some serious distance done with it. So far it has had just under 800 miles so still early days really.
If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to answer them.

I bought it through Evans as I could test it first and there were one or two differences in specification for the £650 I found it for online (nothing major and they were honest about them). Purely personal preference and the major chain I purchased it from needed some motivation in getting it as per the specification (namely the rack, but that's another story).

Brooke

meagain

Thank you, Brooke.

I'm considering....my only doubt is purely personal, whether or not my dodgy elbows can become accustomed to drop bars (if I ride them only occasionally then I can't fully bend my arms for a day or so!).

BrookeHender

It is well worth taking the time to make sure that you have the right size and I think I would have taken the size down in preference, but luckily it is fine for me as long I can sort out the stem (which I obviously can). I rather like the existing stem and a shorter top tube would have been better. But you live and learn (hopefully).

Yes, the drop bars are a major change, but I like the flexibility of hand positions and especially being able to get down lower when the wind is against me (and when isn't it?).

Good luck.

meagain

I have ridden many a drop barred bike, just that age taking its toll on various joints! On balance I think maybe I'll stick with flats and bar ends.

Hope you get it just right!

BrookeHender

I know that feeling only too well. It sounds as though you have paid your dues with drop bars, but as a lapsed cyclist who has only just found my passion again I have a long way to go (age allowing).

Go well no matter what choice you make and thanks for taking the time to respond to the post.

Brooke

meagain

No problem - and thanks!