Night_shift

I'm in the process of turning a bike of mine into a townie. It has this really neat vintage 3ttt stem I had planned on using. I noticed the underside of the stem clamp has some cracking. These cracks could have been there all along or might have developed recently, I honestly have no idea. But, I've ridden this bike a few hundred miles on various set-ups and never noticed a problem. Doesn't mean there won't be one though. What's the risk on riding something like this? I haven't noticed any issues but would it be better to replace it with something newer even if that meant ditching a really cool vintage stem?

seau grateau

Definitely do not ride that.

SquidPuppet

Personally, I wouldn't put another mile on it. It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when. And when it fails, it will be horrible.

When stuff out back breaks it aint that big of a deal. You just drag the problem behind you until you can stop. When bars, stems or forks fail, you usually eat it, big time, HARD.

hairnet

It's just a stem, don't get so attached and ditch it. Perhaps destory it so it doesn't end it in someone else's hands and breaks under them.

jlafitte 

Wondering how many people follow torque specifications for stems etc...

Leukybear 

Yup that's been ham-fisted.

I've never seen a quill stem over-torqued this badly. #poorfeller

hairnet

Looks like it uses steel inserts. So you crack the stem instead of stripping the threads!

TejanoTrackie 

Meh. Just use some JB Weld.

veganbikes

Nitto still makes plenty of quality quill stems in every size and configuration you could probably ever need. You can also order others from Soma, Tange, Cinelli, Profile Design...

Maybe use the stem for a cool art project or something. Don't ride it unless you want top dog in jackass thread ; )

Night_shift

Thanks for the advice everyone. Really, you are all telling me what I already knew... Stop riding that stem immediately! The sour thing is that I can't in good conscience sell it either so it will have to become a paperweight/desk ornament, etc.

It worries me I never looked to see that until today. Dental bills > new stem.

Noli Timere

I wouldn't ride it, either but I wouldn't mind seeing a wider shot of it so we can appreciate your love for it.

Night_shift

For sure; don't expect too much "skin" she isn't done yet:

Noli Timere

I see what you mean. Matches perfectly.

hairnet

Nice. I just put a Albatros bar on a road bike I had sitting around. So much fun.

TejanoTrackie 

When you buy a new stem, I'd suggest getting a much longer one. Otherwise, the grips on those bars will be hitting your knees, and you'll feel like you are driving a school bus.

Night_shift

Good eye sir, Nitto Albatross indeed... I rode it around the yard brakeless (NOT FIXED EITHER LOL) it was a riot. Can't wait to finish it.


I agree. the 3ttt stem on there now is 105mm. Believe it or not I might go down to an even 100mm. 80ish is too short for sure. The thing is this frame is a 54, which I ride. But, its an old school 54 seat tube 56 top tube so its got 2 extra cm of play to account for which means for a modern bike equivalent a 100mm stem is gonna ride like a 120mm.

hairnet

Due eeeeet



Your bike looks hot tho. Mine is kinda janky with chipped paint and faded decals.

Night_shift

Na dude, that's tits! I love it.

I'm gonna do the same thing with the wrap... got some reused leather tape I'm going to fashion into some grips.

2 small differences for me. First, I'm going reverse levers (TT style on bar ends) and I'm going to keep my down-tube shifters (although thumbies are far superior).

hairnet

I did have that shifter debate. It looks so clean with the DT shifters but it isn't practical with this bar and I do plan to try and use this bike a lot for commuting.

Night_shift

The thing is down tube shifters were the worst idea ever. Sure they look awesome but they are impractical as all be. Case in point: I built up a townie for my mom (in the townie thread). I'm gonna have to buy some shimano thumb adapters because she doesn't have the skill set to shift and look down while balancing. I told her don't worry. Honestly, It takes 95% of my concentration to shift down tube friction shifters.

TL;DR: I hate myself so I'm keeping the down tube shifters.

hairnet

I love then with drop bars, but anything else they don't work.

My main roadie


Commuter from a couple years ago

Night_shift

Oh, I could upgrade. (Don't entice me to upgrade...)

hairnet

It's tougher when your bike has so much style to maintain.

Night_shift

Well that's kind of the thing...townies are really about style and comfort, and function, and style. Also super dig that Univega.

Night_shift

Now that I really look at it ...



I got to keep it at a trophy.