Vintage style neck stems, max length?
10-09-20, 11:12 AM
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Vintage style neck stems, max height ?
When adjusting a vintage style stem for maximum height, how do I know if I’ve gone too far? As I’ve become older I need a more upright position but don’t want to risk injury to myself or damage to the bike by raising it higher than it’s designed to be.
10-09-20, 11:27 AM
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The quill should have a "Minimum Insertion" line engraved on it. Do not raise the stem so that this mark is above the top of the headset lock nut. Nitto, among others, makes a stem with a tall quill that can be safely set to raise the bars higher than common stems.
10-09-20, 11:32 AM
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Unfortunately I’m not finding such verbiage on a couple of my stems either due to it being worn off or perhaps never stamped? I suppose I could simply insert them the same as ones that are stamped? They should be similar I guess ?
10-09-20, 11:48 AM
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the stem shaft does have any sort of line or etching in it? usually, there is a row of hashmarks around the stem, or a horizontal line around it. a little searching found that 6–7 cm of minimum insertion is common. if your stem is quite long, it might be more. if you need much more than that, I'd consider some sort of riser bar, more upright stem, or a frame with a longer head tube as a long-term solution. maybe the frame was just not designed to fit you.
10-09-20, 12:29 PM
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Unfortunately raising an older stem will eventually be a losing proposition as you most likely will max it out at some point, maybe even now.
I’m not home right now I can’t measure the minimum insertion, but you might want to consider a taller stem once someone gives you the typical minimum insertion.
If you do go to a new stem, get one to fit your handlebar diameter.
John
I’m not home right now I can’t measure the minimum insertion, but you might want to consider a taller stem once someone gives you the typical minimum insertion.
If you do go to a new stem, get one to fit your handlebar diameter.
John
10-09-20, 02:41 PM
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The general rule-of-thumb is that minimum insertion should be about 2-1/2 times the diameter of the stem. So, if the stem is 22mm diameter, you would want at least 55mm of stem extending below the top of the steer tube.
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10-09-20, 06:47 PM
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You might want to consider a quill adapter to allow use of a standard stem. Gives you a lot more options and better adjustability.
I put one on my vintage road bike for the exact reason you are raising your quill stem.
I put one on my vintage road bike for the exact reason you are raising your quill stem.
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10-09-20, 09:41 PM
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10-09-20, 09:42 PM
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Since about the mid-1970s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has required that all bicycle stems sold in the United States be marked with a "Minimum Insertion" line. If your stem is older than that, or if you're outside the United States (or your stem was never marketed in the United States), there may not be such a line.
The general rule-of-thumb is that minimum insertion should be about 2-1/2 times the diameter of the stem. So, if the stem is 22mm diameter, you would want at least 55mm of stem extending below the top of the steer tube.
The general rule-of-thumb is that minimum insertion should be about 2-1/2 times the diameter of the stem. So, if the stem is 22mm diameter, you would want at least 55mm of stem extending below the top of the steer tube.
10-09-20, 10:48 PM
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Mine don't go above the line stamped "htfu."
10-09-20, 11:22 PM
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Yes, it's in your head. Nitto parts are the equivalent of Campagnolo: well engineered and exquisitely finished. Besides- if it allows you to ride that bike with Italian/Swiss/Spanish parts, isn't it worth it?
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10-10-20, 11:38 AM
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