82 Continental stem help
09-24-12, 01:00 PM
#1
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82 Continental stem help
Ok, so my bleeding forehead thanks you a head of time.
I am looking to get a slightly longer stem, both in height from the frame and sticking out. I need about 1/4" in more height and would like to stick the bars further out by about the same, maybe a tad bit more. My question is, what will work?
I have looked at Sheldon Brown's site and they have some stems on there, but I am not sure if I should go with a 2 piece design where I can change the forward distance, or get a one piece like I have stock. I recently discovered (on a century ride this past weekend) that my stock stem was about 1/4" PAST the topped out mark (
), so I immediately dropped it back in, but within a few miles my back was hurting because I felt "scrunched up" and my back never has hurt like this after similar rides before. I have my seat back as far as my legs are comfortable, it could go further, but when I have done that it feels like I have lost power and I tire faster. That's why I feel a different stem would be beneficial.
From my understand there are French stems, which are smaller (but can be installed with a bronze bushing, right?) and standard ones that were 2 mm larger and I am guessing what is in the bike now. I don't race the bike, so lightweight isn't a big deal, but I do want something durable because the streets in Chicago are rough and I am wanting to get into randonneuring.
Also the locking style, I know I have a "cheese wedge" that when I tighten the allen head screw at the top drives the wedge into place and locks the stem in place, but I have seen some people mention on builds they use "threadless stems" with the pyramid block in place, is that the same style but they machined the non-bolt-in stem to work that way?
The Chicago Craigslist ads abound with stems and necks, so finding parts shouldn't be hard. But I want to do this right AND safe......don't want that scared look on my face when I sit up in the saddle with my handlebar in my face!
I am looking to get a slightly longer stem, both in height from the frame and sticking out. I need about 1/4" in more height and would like to stick the bars further out by about the same, maybe a tad bit more. My question is, what will work?
I have looked at Sheldon Brown's site and they have some stems on there, but I am not sure if I should go with a 2 piece design where I can change the forward distance, or get a one piece like I have stock. I recently discovered (on a century ride this past weekend) that my stock stem was about 1/4" PAST the topped out mark (
), so I immediately dropped it back in, but within a few miles my back was hurting because I felt "scrunched up" and my back never has hurt like this after similar rides before. I have my seat back as far as my legs are comfortable, it could go further, but when I have done that it feels like I have lost power and I tire faster. That's why I feel a different stem would be beneficial.From my understand there are French stems, which are smaller (but can be installed with a bronze bushing, right?) and standard ones that were 2 mm larger and I am guessing what is in the bike now. I don't race the bike, so lightweight isn't a big deal, but I do want something durable because the streets in Chicago are rough and I am wanting to get into randonneuring.
Also the locking style, I know I have a "cheese wedge" that when I tighten the allen head screw at the top drives the wedge into place and locks the stem in place, but I have seen some people mention on builds they use "threadless stems" with the pyramid block in place, is that the same style but they machined the non-bolt-in stem to work that way?
The Chicago Craigslist ads abound with stems and necks, so finding parts shouldn't be hard. But I want to do this right AND safe......don't want that scared look on my face when I sit up in the saddle with my handlebar in my face!
09-24-12, 04:02 PM
#2
Senior Member
Post a picture of the stem you have now. If you can, also measure and post the diameter of the stem where it enters the headset, as well as the reach from the center of the wedge bolt to the center of the handlebar binder. Once I see what you currently have I might be able to suggest a replacement.
09-24-12, 04:04 PM
#3
That guy from the Chi
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Going home to measure that now. Realized after reading up more that dimensions might help....hehe.
09-24-12, 08:05 PM
#4
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Ok so here is what I have, and any help is appreciated!
SR stem, aluminum by the weigh I am guessing
80mm marked (I am guessing that is the height of the stem?)
.833 on it which comes to 21.15 mm (I am guessing that is for the outer diameter of the stem that inserts into the steerer?)
85mm from the MAX mark to the very top of the stem
65mm (roughly) from the middle point of the handlebar to the center-line on the stem part that goes into the steerer
The handlebar measured 25.12 on the spot where the stem clamp goes
SR stem, aluminum by the weigh I am guessing
80mm marked (I am guessing that is the height of the stem?)
.833 on it which comes to 21.15 mm (I am guessing that is for the outer diameter of the stem that inserts into the steerer?)
85mm from the MAX mark to the very top of the stem
65mm (roughly) from the middle point of the handlebar to the center-line on the stem part that goes into the steerer
The handlebar measured 25.12 on the spot where the stem clamp goes
09-24-12, 10:17 PM
#5
Senior Member
IMHO you want one of these, which is a bolt-in replacement that is an inch taller with an inch more reach than what you currently have:
That is a Schwinn "S" logo forged alloy "Girder Design" stem (p/n 55 614), which has a 3.5" (90mm) extension, 7" vertical stem length, 0.833" (21.15mm) quill diameter, and a 1" (25.4mm) binder, which was used on most Schwinn lightweight bikes with 24" and larger frames from 1973 through 1976. Bikes using that stem during those years include the 24"/26" frame Sports Tourer, Super Sport, Sprint, and Continental, as well as the 26" frame (only) Varsity.
Note that only the larger framed bikes received that stem, the 22" and smaller frame models used a rounded design "S" stem (p/n 55 615) with a shorter 2.75" extension and only 6" vertical length (24" and smaller Varisity models had a forged steel stem). All of the "S" logo Girder Design stems were stamped "Made in Britain" at the base of the quill and were made for Schwinn by GB (Gerry Burgess).
These stems turn up on ebay from time to time. I don't see any there now, but here are two that recently sold:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/261100536250
https://www.ebay.com/itm/180919293307
Of course any other 0.833" (21.15mm) diameter stem that is taller and with a longer reach than what you have now should work as well...
That is a Schwinn "S" logo forged alloy "Girder Design" stem (p/n 55 614), which has a 3.5" (90mm) extension, 7" vertical stem length, 0.833" (21.15mm) quill diameter, and a 1" (25.4mm) binder, which was used on most Schwinn lightweight bikes with 24" and larger frames from 1973 through 1976. Bikes using that stem during those years include the 24"/26" frame Sports Tourer, Super Sport, Sprint, and Continental, as well as the 26" frame (only) Varsity.
Note that only the larger framed bikes received that stem, the 22" and smaller frame models used a rounded design "S" stem (p/n 55 615) with a shorter 2.75" extension and only 6" vertical length (24" and smaller Varisity models had a forged steel stem). All of the "S" logo Girder Design stems were stamped "Made in Britain" at the base of the quill and were made for Schwinn by GB (Gerry Burgess).
These stems turn up on ebay from time to time. I don't see any there now, but here are two that recently sold:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/261100536250
https://www.ebay.com/itm/180919293307
Of course any other 0.833" (21.15mm) diameter stem that is taller and with a longer reach than what you have now should work as well...
Last edited by Metacortex; 09-24-12 at 10:32 PM.
09-25-12, 08:51 AM
#6
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Thanks meta! I was looking at this exact stem yesterday on Sheldon Brown (I think, I was reading all over the place) and wasn't sure if that was what I wanted but I will look into finding one. Thanks for the info!
IMHO you want one of these, which is a bolt-in replacement that is an inch taller with an inch more reach than what you currently have:
That is a Schwinn "S" logo forged alloy "Girder Design" stem (p/n 55 614), which has a 3.5" (90mm) extension, 7" vertical stem length, 0.833" (21.15mm) quill diameter, and a 1" (25.4mm) binder, which was used on most Schwinn lightweight bikes with 24" and larger frames from 1973 through 1976. Bikes using that stem during those years include the 24"/26" frame Sports Tourer, Super Sport, Sprint, and Continental, as well as the 26" frame (only) Varsity.
Note that only the larger framed bikes received that stem, the 22" and smaller frame models used a rounded design "S" stem (p/n 55 615) with a shorter 2.75" extension and only 6" vertical length (24" and smaller Varisity models had a forged steel stem). All of the "S" logo Girder Design stems were stamped "Made in Britain" at the base of the quill and were made for Schwinn by GB (Gerry Burgess).
These stems turn up on ebay from time to time. I don't see any there now, but here are two that recently sold:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/261100536250
https://www.ebay.com/itm/180919293307
Of course any other 0.833" (21.15mm) diameter stem that is taller and with a longer reach than what you have now should work as well...
That is a Schwinn "S" logo forged alloy "Girder Design" stem (p/n 55 614), which has a 3.5" (90mm) extension, 7" vertical stem length, 0.833" (21.15mm) quill diameter, and a 1" (25.4mm) binder, which was used on most Schwinn lightweight bikes with 24" and larger frames from 1973 through 1976. Bikes using that stem during those years include the 24"/26" frame Sports Tourer, Super Sport, Sprint, and Continental, as well as the 26" frame (only) Varsity.
Note that only the larger framed bikes received that stem, the 22" and smaller frame models used a rounded design "S" stem (p/n 55 615) with a shorter 2.75" extension and only 6" vertical length (24" and smaller Varisity models had a forged steel stem). All of the "S" logo Girder Design stems were stamped "Made in Britain" at the base of the quill and were made for Schwinn by GB (Gerry Burgess).
These stems turn up on ebay from time to time. I don't see any there now, but here are two that recently sold:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/261100536250
https://www.ebay.com/itm/180919293307
Of course any other 0.833" (21.15mm) diameter stem that is taller and with a longer reach than what you have now should work as well...
09-26-12, 03:49 PM
#7
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The .833 diameter can be enough of a pita to tempt one to look for a different fork or even bike.
I've bought a couple of these over the years, in the .833 size with a 110mm extension. That would be the longest .833" stem out there, but the height is normal and if anything the extension angles down slightly a few degrees, somewhat like a track stem.
These "Compe Forged", "Compe" and "Gran-Compe" stems were offered only in 11cm, 9cm and ~6cm, and were found on many Nishiki International bikes.
I've bought a couple of these over the years, in the .833 size with a 110mm extension. That would be the longest .833" stem out there, but the height is normal and if anything the extension angles down slightly a few degrees, somewhat like a track stem.
These "Compe Forged", "Compe" and "Gran-Compe" stems were offered only in 11cm, 9cm and ~6cm, and were found on many Nishiki International bikes.
Last edited by dddd; 09-26-12 at 03:55 PM.
09-26-12, 08:19 PM
#8
Senior Member
The '73-'76 World Voyageur/Voyageur II came with a Gran Compe forged alloy stem with an 80mm (3-1/8") reach. Those were 22.2mm diameter though.
There is a Compe with an 80mm reach and .833" (21.1mm) diameter on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/150857277486
There is another with a long 110mm reach and .833" (21.1mm) diameter: https://www.ebay.com/itm/200823107471
The "Girder Design" Schwinn (GB) stem splits the middle of those with a 90mm reach, plus it has an extra inch of height and is usually available for a much better price than I've seen for the Compe stems.
It is also much lighter. The 80mm reach 6" tall Gran Compe (22.2mm diameter) I have weighs 12.1oz, while the "Girder Design" Schwinn (GB) stem weighs only 10.2oz even though it is 1" taller and with 10mm more reach. For the size I think it is one of the lightest stems out there, another reason it is one of my favorites for Schwinn bikes.
There is a Compe with an 80mm reach and .833" (21.1mm) diameter on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/150857277486
There is another with a long 110mm reach and .833" (21.1mm) diameter: https://www.ebay.com/itm/200823107471
The "Girder Design" Schwinn (GB) stem splits the middle of those with a 90mm reach, plus it has an extra inch of height and is usually available for a much better price than I've seen for the Compe stems.
It is also much lighter. The 80mm reach 6" tall Gran Compe (22.2mm diameter) I have weighs 12.1oz, while the "Girder Design" Schwinn (GB) stem weighs only 10.2oz even though it is 1" taller and with 10mm more reach. For the size I think it is one of the lightest stems out there, another reason it is one of my favorites for Schwinn bikes.
09-27-12, 05:21 AM
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Last night I found a Dia Comp stem in my spares that will go to Mike in the next day or so.
Interestingly, I used a Voyaguer II fork to check it for insertion size, and I was surprised to find out the Voyageur fork uses the standard sized 22.2mm stems and not 21.1mm! This does open up the possibility of using other stems!
Interestingly, I used a Voyaguer II fork to check it for insertion size, and I was surprised to find out the Voyageur fork uses the standard sized 22.2mm stems and not 21.1mm! This does open up the possibility of using other stems!
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Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
10-19-12, 04:22 PM
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Some forum members have had a stem machined down to the .833.
