Thinking about a new stem but no idea what makes a good one

rodgers73
rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
edited September 2014 in Road buying advice
The one on my bike is a bit scratched up and getting a little rusty around the bolts. Not a huge reason to change it and I guess whatever I replace it with wont be hugely lighter given that I'll be swapping alu for alu but any tips on good brands or models would be helpful.

I'm planning on gradually upgrading things such as stem, seat post, bars etc so a good one would be a nice start on this process.

Comments

  • napoleond
    napoleond Posts: 5,992
    Deda zero 1 for about 15 quid.
    Insta: ATEnduranceCoaching
    ABCC Cycling Coach
  • sloppyschleckonds
    sloppyschleckonds Posts: 8,019
    Oversize look cool, easton, pro stealth, zipp and the new fizik stem looks ok
    Not sure there are any gains of alloy over carbon or vice versa
    Of course, it needs to match your bars and seatpost
    I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    Match as in colour? Or as in all be the same brand?
  • Nairnster
    Nairnster Posts: 602
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Deda zero 1 for about 15 quid.

    Agree with that, very nice stems, and good price/weight
  • smoggysteve
    smoggysteve Posts: 2,909
    Nairnster wrote:
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Deda zero 1 for about 15 quid.

    Agree with that, very nice stems, and good price/weight

    Deda does look nice. If you can spend more get the Superleggera and get the matching handlebars and carbon seatpost
  • schlepcycling
    schlepcycling Posts: 1,614
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Deda zero 1 for about 15 quid.
    +1
    'Hello to Jason Isaacs'
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    If I buy a (slightly) shorter one will I need to adjust my cables etc? Will my indexing be thrown out?
  • napoleond
    napoleond Posts: 5,992
    Nah. It'll be reet.
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    ABCC Cycling Coach
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    the Zipp alu ones are tidy.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • DKay
    DKay Posts: 1,652
    schlepcycling wrote:
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Deda zero 1 for about 15 quid.
    +1

    +1 also. There really is no need to spend any more. So naturally I use Deda Zero 100 stems, which cost over twice as much. :roll:
    N
    N+1
  • napoleond
    napoleond Posts: 5,992
    I have a Zero 100 on my bestest bike only because it looks ace :( :oops:
    I did have a superleggero but it didn't look quite right. Too slender.
    Insta: ATEnduranceCoaching
    ABCC Cycling Coach
  • spanner239
    spanner239 Posts: 181
    Deda Zero 100 Performance look fantastic and are about £36
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    If my current stem is 110mm and I want it to feel shorter what should I go for? 80, 90 or 100?

    I'm not sure 1cm would make much of a noticeable difference would it??
  • careful
    careful Posts: 720
    I certainly notice a 1cm difference. Whether it is enough obviously depends on your frame, your body, and the fit between the two. Could you borrow a couple of stems of different length to try for a day or two?
  • DKay
    DKay Posts: 1,652
    rodgers73 wrote:
    If my current stem is 110mm and I want it to feel shorter what should I go for? 80, 90 or 100?

    I'm not sure 1cm would make much of a noticeable difference would it??

    1cm does indeed make quite a difference. Also, bear in mind that if you go too short, you can run into knee/handlebar clearance issues when you're climbing out of the saddle.
    N
    N+1
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    Deda do make good stems and a good stem is one that does not flex or break, well that means practically every stem on the market is a good stem. The Deda Zero1 though does it at alow cost.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • rodgers73
    rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
    right, a 90mm stem it is then!

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