Alternatives to Surly Steamroller + Quill Stem
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Alternatives to Surly Steamroller + Quill Stem
Hello BikeForums, I have been looking for quill stem compatible Steamroller-type bikes. I googled that early versions came with quill stems and Soma Rush has 32c tire clearance, but without brakes.
Are there other alternatives that are more readily available, quill stem compatible + able to have brakes with 32c tires ?
Are there other alternatives that are more readily available, quill stem compatible + able to have brakes with 32c tires ?
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If I am riding in the hoods of the cockpit and my height is just under 5'11", would you recommend a 53 or 55 bike size ?
#6
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Oh man, give up on the quill stem if the tire clearance is a desire. Go with a nature boy and some rock n roads
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Ben
#9
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Give up on quill stems to get tire clearance? The two have nothing to do with each other, except in marketing strategists' minds, perhaps. There are good reasons to want 32c or more clearance. There are good reasons to want a quill stem. There are also good reasons for wanting a threaded headset. If riders hold off on bike purchases until they can have these things, maybe, just maybe, some of them will stay around a little longer.
Ben
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Your cog is slipping.
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It's difficult to find a modern stock factory frame with wide tire clearance and a quill stem. SOMA is an anomaly here. If you have a broad budget you could look at the Rodriguez Shiftless @1k+ or the new ssfg coming from Rivendell in the next few months @1.2k. The shiftless will need to be customized but that won't be an issue.
The most simple solution is probably an 80's road conversion, like a trek 460, for example which would be pretty solid off-road and would easily clear any 622mm cross tire. Many early 80's road bikes were designed around crit racing and feature short chain stays and 74+ parallel angles, but with lower than track bottom bracket heights, 85 iron man centurion, for example. Both of these have quality steel (Reynolds 531, tange 1) and are lugged...for ego points and should come in well below what you would pay for a rush frame.
If you're planning to spend more time off road, you could consider converting a mtb of similar vintage. You'd gain about 1-2 lbs in frame/fork weight but you'd gain canti brakes and the ability to mount just about any wheel you like.
The most simple solution is probably an 80's road conversion, like a trek 460, for example which would be pretty solid off-road and would easily clear any 622mm cross tire. Many early 80's road bikes were designed around crit racing and feature short chain stays and 74+ parallel angles, but with lower than track bottom bracket heights, 85 iron man centurion, for example. Both of these have quality steel (Reynolds 531, tange 1) and are lugged...for ego points and should come in well below what you would pay for a rush frame.
If you're planning to spend more time off road, you could consider converting a mtb of similar vintage. You'd gain about 1-2 lbs in frame/fork weight but you'd gain canti brakes and the ability to mount just about any wheel you like.
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Quill Steamroller
Sorry to bump this thread, but I too wish that I could get an old Surly Steamroller with a quill stem and wanted to express that. Track ends, 38mm tire clearance and a classic quill stem (serviceable cup and cone with loose ball bearings)!
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So, like an old track bike?
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I've literally never needed to replace, service, or adjust a threadless headset after installation. Nitto does make pretty stuff though.
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Aftermarket forks with adequate clearance and enough rake are out there and not too expensive. It’s harder to find a cheap steamroller frame these days. I’m stem agnostic but there are times when I’m glad for the flex and easy adjustment in quills.
#25
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