Handle Bar Stem

wingsonourheels
wingsonourheels Posts: 44
edited July 2010 in Road beginners
Hello, I'm quite new to cycling and have picked up and old Ribble bike with a Renyolds 653 frame.Loving the frame but the handle bars are a tad on the long side.

The handle bar stem is an old aluminum stem. I was wondering what my options are.

The stem itself is a little on the long side for me so would like to change it. However, can't seem to find anywhere who still sells these. If I can't buy one can anyone tell me how to and what i'd need to update?

I've attached an image here http://gallery.me.com/sundayjam#100041

Would be grateful for some advice.

Thanks


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Comments

  • sturmey
    sturmey Posts: 964
    Well, you can still get the 'old-style' quill stems -few crop up in the classifieds or you could just use a quill adaptor, like this one:

    http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=K0123

    You van then use an Ahead style stem. You will probably need a shim to go inside the Ahead stem as the quill adaptors are mostly sized for the smaller 1" Ahead stems.

    See here:

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ITM-Ahead-Handleb ... 5192adbb85

    The disadvantage with quill stems like you currently have is you need to remove bar tape/brake levers if you want to change the bars or stem. Ahead stems have a removeable faceplate that makes this unnecessary.
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    Good question, try posting in workshop if there is a workaround to replace the steerer and with it the stem with something moderner.
  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    Hi this type of stem is called a Quill and you have to loosen the allen bolt at the top to raise, lower or remove the quill.

    You could get a converter like this http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/mission- ... 65722.html which will leave a steerer tube sticking up. NOTE: This was the 1st one I found so check out others that may suit your bike better.

    Then you can fit a normal ahead type stem to connect your bars. Just make sure that the diameter of the stem and bars are the same and choose a length that will make you feel more comfortable i.e. smaller than what you currently have.

    As they are fairly cheap I am sure you would be better off going to a lbs so that you could try different stem lengths until you get the right size. They will know what is best for you I am sure.

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