Specialized Comp Stem

apreading

Hi there

Got a 'new' 12 degree version of this stem on ebay. Not quite as described because it was taken off a bike and doesnt come with the shims for all the different angles. I also checked in a box and it normally comes with a top cap too.

Now as it happens I have just checked and the single shim which comes with it would allow me 16 degrees which is possibly about what I am looking for.

The seller has offered a discount as it is not as described but I am concerned - why does it come with a top cap normally? Does this mean it needs a specific cap and my current one wont work?

Have never changed a stem or headset before and dont really know what I am doing to any advice appreciated. Probably you will tell me not to worry and that all top caps will fit...

Should I take this guy up on the offer of some money back or walk away and buy one with all the parts?

thanks

nicklouse

shims for angles?

what do you mean. adjustable angle stems dont use shims.

strems dont normally come with top caps.

the only "shims" i can think of are the Headset spacers. Not part of the stem or the headset.

apreading

This is the stem - with shims. Means you get an adjustable stem without the weight or weakness of a hinge. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... stem-31001

The fact that it comes with a top cap is what makes me wonder if it needs a specific one...

Whytepeak

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... stem-31001

This review clearly shows shims nick.

Are you missing these shims or the top cap?

EDIT = any top cap should work, as all are the same size (1and 1/8 or 1.5) So as long as the stem fits the fork steerer, the topcap you have already should fit.

apreading

only have one shim which is the +-4 degrees one so I can only run the stem at 8 degrees (12-4) or 16 degrees (12+4).

So two shims missing which would allow me to run it at 10 degrees, 12 degrees or 14 degrees.

Plus new ones in box come with a top cap - this is what worries me, the thought that it might need a specific rather than being able to work with the one already on my bike.

Whytepeak

As long as you have the shims you need to achieve the angle you want, then I'd say leave it. But if all the stem spacers were specified for the price, complain.

As I said, your current topcap should fit...

nicklouse

right that one.

dont spend much time with Spesh road parts.

apreading

This is the pro version of the same thing - also comes with a top cap.

The description refers to it as an 'Asymmetrical top cap' - does that mean it is not a normal one?

apreading

Bit more research suggests it needs a top cap with an offset hole - I think the adjustment means that the top of the stem which sits round the stearer tube is not necessarily level?

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=256476

Seems like I may need to back out of this one unless he can get me the top cap his bike used to have on top of the stem...

antfly

I have one that came on my bike. You only get one shim with it and you change the angle by twisting the shim so you can have it at -8 to -16 or +8 to +16 if you flip it.

CustomReign

Hi,

I have one and I think you should have the full range with just the one shim. Mine has both sets of numbers so I wonder if one has worn off.

apreading

no - one shim allows you two positions - the most extreme shim gives you the two extremes, ie 8 degrees or 16 degrees but not the angles in between - the other shims would allow you 10/14 degrees or 12 degrees.

apreading

but if you buy it as a separate component you get three shims so that you can also do -10, -12, -14 or +10, +12 or +14

I know I have seen one, read the manuals and all you have to do is look at the articles and photos on the internet - they all show 3 shims and are marked with the additonal angles. The description everywhere states 10 angles available in 2 degree increments - you cant do that with a single shim.

It seems that when you get one supplied on a new specialized bike you only get one shim but therefore dont get the full range of angles available.

antfly

You could be right, I only adjusted it once but it would appear the stock one is the 8 to 16 one and it doesn`t look like you can buy the shims on their own.

apreading

doe your top cap have an offset hole? the arfticles seem to say it needs one to secure it properly?

fivelittlefish

One of these came on my Stumpy Comp - I didn't know what it was! It only came with one shim...

Anonymous

it definately does need a specific top cap, the cap is oval shaped and a regular one wont fit properly.

antfly

In answer to the original question, yes, get one in a box. How much did you pay for it anyway?

apreading

Paid £18 inc postage

he has offered me 50% refund making it not alot of money but if I dont have the right parts to use it still not worth bothering with.

He has now said he has a Spesh top cap he can send me but I dont know if it is the correct offset/oval one but if I get him to send me that and it isnt right it may be too much aggro to then go back and try to return it all for full refund.

If I can get the 50% refund and the top cap he has I might take a punt on it as it isnt much money

antfly

Was it a private seller or an e-bay bike shop, just out of curiousity ?

apreading

private seller - albeit a busy one with 660 items of feedback!