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Ti stem or Thomson Elite X/2?

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Old 05-19-11, 08:44 AM
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merlinextraligh
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Ti stem or Thomson Elite X/2?

I want to put a Ti stem, or a silver aluminum stem on my Merlin. The current stem is a touch too long, and I want to go with sliver or Ti to complete the retro look.

The options I've narrowed down are a Thomson Elite X/2



Or this no name Ti stem




I like the idea of a Ti stem on a Ti bike just for aesthetics. However, I've got several issues. 1), the relaibility of a no name manufacturer, 2), how much it may flex, and 3) the protruding bolts.

I realize there are some other Ti stems out there, but they all get pretty pricey. The Thomson stem is available for $90 including shipping, and this Ti stem is the only one I've found close to that price.

Given how good Thomson parts are logic says to go with the Thomson, but I'm still somewhat taken with the idea of Ti parts on the Ti frame.

WWYD?

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Old 05-19-11, 08:54 AM
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lwrncc
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OR

get the full Ritchey Classic seatpost/bar/stem matching combo!
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Old 05-19-11, 08:55 AM
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The Ti stem would be a nice compliment aesthetically per your current set up.
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Old 05-19-11, 08:58 AM
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mrnotwo
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I was thinking of that stem for my ti bike as well, not sure how compatible it is with carbon fiber handlebars and how stiff it is.
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Old 05-19-11, 09:03 AM
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mrbUSA
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No name
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Old 05-19-11, 09:13 AM
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Ti stem only because your bike it Ti otherwise thompson
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Old 05-19-11, 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by lwrncc
OR

get the full Ritchey Classic seatpost/bar/stem matching combo!
too bad their bar is not classic bend, and they don't make a -17 stem. Otherwise i'd have sprung for that setup
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Old 05-19-11, 09:30 AM
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I run a Deda Zero 100 in the dark metal finish and it matches up pretty nicely. It is also pretty stiff and light. I've looked at Ti stems for years and never could quite pull the trigger. If I were to go Ti it would be this one https://vannicholas.com/componentsdetails.aspx?id=40

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Old 05-19-11, 09:39 AM
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Ti. And don't forget to get the matching King bottle cages!
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Old 05-19-11, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by bigskyTi
If I were to go Ti it would be this one https://vannicholas.com/componentsdetails.aspx?id=40


I looked at that, but at $230 plus shipping its not worth it to me.
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Old 05-19-11, 09:48 AM
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I just made an offer on the Ti stem for $90 (buy it now price is $140) If I can get it for the same price as the Thomson that will be great. Otherwise I'm probably going to get the Thomson.
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Old 05-19-11, 01:10 PM
  #12  
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That no name stem looks a little scary to me. Either the seller specs it with bolts that are too long, or they did a really poor job with the photo configuration. Could be that when installed with bars, the bolts won't protrude. There's no guarantee that it won't be flexy, either.

Your seatpost looks to be aluminum, so I think the Thomson would look just fine with that setup.
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Old 05-19-11, 01:39 PM
  #13  
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Check out the VeloOrange stuff...a lot of things in silver.
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