Stem advice for LHT?
01-07-21, 09:54 AM
#26
Senior Member
Aesthetics is totally useless when you have functionality and performance to consider first.
A cheap stem might seem "fine", but once you try a better quality stem (doesn't need to be hundreds of dollars) you'll be amazed how a stem which otherwise looks the same dimension wise can totally change the handling of your bike.
A cheap stem might seem "fine", but once you try a better quality stem (doesn't need to be hundreds of dollars) you'll be amazed how a stem which otherwise looks the same dimension wise can totally change the handling of your bike.
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01-07-21, 11:56 AM
#27
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This is the new one...Nitto CT5
that one is now on what will be a townie
01-07-21, 12:20 PM
#28
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Aesthetics is totally useless when you have functionality and performance to consider first.
A cheap stem might seem "fine", but once you try a better quality stem (doesn't need to be hundreds of dollars) you'll be amazed how a stem which otherwise looks the same dimension wise can totally change the handling of your bike.
A cheap stem might seem "fine", but once you try a better quality stem (doesn't need to be hundreds of dollars) you'll be amazed how a stem which otherwise looks the same dimension wise can totally change the handling of your bike.
Just...what?
What stems specifically are you referring to? I would be interested to know what stems you have used where this is the case.
I could see a redstop stem performing differently compared to a rigid stem, but thats because they are different designs and meant to perform differently.
Currently I have an Easton EA50, an Easton EA70, a Ritchey WCS Aluminum, a couple Kalloy 7 UL, a Kalloy Uno, and a VeloOrange stem. They are all alloy, 7 degree(or 6 for the Eastons, i think?), and 31.8mm clamp(the VO is 26.0). When swapping them out, I have never noticed any of them 'totally change the handling' of my bike. I like the Kalloy 7 because its the lightest of any. I like the Ritchey WCS because of the vanity. But nope, none change the handling.
01-07-21, 12:43 PM
#29
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This is 100mm long, weighs 107g, and cost $24usd. It certainly seems attractive?...forgive my hesitation, its a stem and Ive never given it this much thought.
And my chrome VO stem has no visible welding(fillet aesthetic) and cost $35.
I think I may need to start looking at stems and contemplate them a bit more to better understand what makes them attractive.
Huh. Time to ponder.
01-07-21, 12:49 PM
#30
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So a steel stem that is fillet brazed with welded bolt clamps. The fillet brazing does make it look nice.
This is 100mm long, weighs 107g, and cost $24usd. It certainly seems attractive?...forgive my hesitation, its a stem and Ive never given it this much thought.
And my chrome VO stem has no visible welding(fillet aesthetic) and cost $35.
I think I may need to start looking at stems and contemplate them a bit more to better understand what makes them attractive.
Huh. Time to ponder.
This is 100mm long, weighs 107g, and cost $24usd. It certainly seems attractive?...forgive my hesitation, its a stem and Ive never given it this much thought.
And my chrome VO stem has no visible welding(fillet aesthetic) and cost $35.
I think I may need to start looking at stems and contemplate them a bit more to better understand what makes them attractive.
Huh. Time to ponder.
We all gotta float out own boat my stem/spacers are worth every dollar I spent on them, they may not be to someone else. I have never looked for the cheapest way to any objective I've always done things the way I want them done which is probably why I don't N+1
01-07-21, 12:54 PM
#31
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Wait- so 2 threadless stems that are the same length, angle, and clamp size will perform so differently that it will 'totally change the handling' of my bike?
Just...what?
What stems specifically are you referring to? I would be interested to know what stems you have used where this is the case.
I could see a redstop stem performing differently compared to a rigid stem, but thats because they are different designs and meant to perform differently.
Currently I have an Easton EA50, an Easton EA70, a Ritchey WCS Aluminum, a couple Kalloy 7 UL, a Kalloy Uno, and a VeloOrange stem. They are all alloy, 7 degree(or 6 for the Eastons, i think?), and 31.8mm clamp(the VO is 26.0). When swapping them out, I have never noticed any of them 'totally change the handling' of my bike. I like the Kalloy 7 because its the lightest of any. I like the Ritchey WCS because of the vanity. But nope, none change the handling.
Just...what?
What stems specifically are you referring to? I would be interested to know what stems you have used where this is the case.
I could see a redstop stem performing differently compared to a rigid stem, but thats because they are different designs and meant to perform differently.
Currently I have an Easton EA50, an Easton EA70, a Ritchey WCS Aluminum, a couple Kalloy 7 UL, a Kalloy Uno, and a VeloOrange stem. They are all alloy, 7 degree(or 6 for the Eastons, i think?), and 31.8mm clamp(the VO is 26.0). When swapping them out, I have never noticed any of them 'totally change the handling' of my bike. I like the Kalloy 7 because its the lightest of any. I like the Ritchey WCS because of the vanity. But nope, none change the handling.
01-07-21, 01:03 PM
#32
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The problem with aluminum stems as you saw id they're too big for the 1" head tube. which is why I went to steel with steel spacers.
We all gotta float out own boat my stem/spacers are worth every dollar I spent on them, they may not be to someone else. I have never looked for the cheapest way to any objective I've always done things the way I want them done which is probably why I don't N+1
We all gotta float out own boat my stem/spacers are worth every dollar I spent on them, they may not be to someone else. I have never looked for the cheapest way to any objective I've always done things the way I want them done which is probably why I don't N+1
01-07-21, 01:51 PM
#34
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I've used a lot Ritchey and Dimension stems over the years, a good value for the dollar, but then, then I put on a Thomson stem, and my world changed. The bike handled so much nicer than before, it was faster and more efficient, My wife claimed that I even looked more stylish while riding. I pity those that haven't experienced such a revelation that a mere upgrade of a stem can provide.
01-07-21, 07:50 PM
#35
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01-08-21, 12:22 AM
#36
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I've used a lot Ritchey and Dimension stems over the years, a good value for the dollar, but then, then I put on a Thomson stem, and my world changed. The bike handled so much nicer than before, it was faster and more efficient, My wife claimed that I even looked more stylish while riding. I pity those that haven't experienced such a revelation that a mere upgrade of a stem can provide.
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01-11-21, 07:57 AM
#38
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Robbie, how did a different stem make your bike faster?
01-24-21, 02:07 PM
#39
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01-24-21, 04:12 PM
#40
Senior Member
01-24-21, 07:18 PM
#41
Member
01-25-21, 02:06 PM
#43
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These are nice to own, many at Amazon for 10 bucks or less:
https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Calip.../dp/B07DFFYCXS
https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Calip.../dp/B07DFFYCXS
01-25-21, 02:08 PM
#44
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01-25-21, 03:09 PM
#45
Senior Member
