.833 stem...what are my options?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 30
Bikes: '71 Nishiki Semi-Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
.833 stem...what are my options?
Hi,
I have a '71 Nishiki with a stem labeled ".833". I would like to upgrade my headset and possibly my stem, and i'm guessing forks may have to be upgraded too, but I would rather not. What options do I have? I'm pretty new to bikes, so I know very little about these parts. Also, I'm on a fairly limited budget (of course).
Thanks!
I have a '71 Nishiki with a stem labeled ".833". I would like to upgrade my headset and possibly my stem, and i'm guessing forks may have to be upgraded too, but I would rather not. What options do I have? I'm pretty new to bikes, so I know very little about these parts. Also, I'm on a fairly limited budget (of course).
Thanks!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,013
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's a "standard" 21.15mm stem. You won't need anything special for the headset, but you'll need a properly sized stem. Most are 22.2 mm.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,959
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
You're probably screwed.
I went looking in to finding a new headset for a schwinn with a .833 stem and gave up because it was like quantum mechanics, it was. I don't know if aftermarket .833 locknut headsets were ever made, and switching to a regular "1 inch" headset would require a new fork unless you're lucky enough to have a fork that isn't actually .833 inside diameter but that's very unlikely. I think it's basically all or none, and that's not the cheap way out.
I went looking in to finding a new headset for a schwinn with a .833 stem and gave up because it was like quantum mechanics, it was. I don't know if aftermarket .833 locknut headsets were ever made, and switching to a regular "1 inch" headset would require a new fork unless you're lucky enough to have a fork that isn't actually .833 inside diameter but that's very unlikely. I think it's basically all or none, and that's not the cheap way out.
__________________
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,959
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by rykoala
That's a "standard" 21.15mm stem. You won't need anything special for the headset, but you'll need a properly sized stem. Most are 22.2 mm.
__________________
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,959
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Oh! Something I never thought of before- I suppose it might be possible to use a standard 1 inch headset and use the old forks if you just use the old .833 headset's locknut.
__________________
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
#6
Senior Member
It's a 7/8" stem I think. I have a Schwinn like that too (exercise bike - a fixed gear spin bike). I think a BMX stem will work. Otherwise I haven't been able to find one.
If you're thinking of upgrading it might be worth it (unless you're looking to keep a classic) to simply get another bike and scavenge it.
cdr
If you're thinking of upgrading it might be worth it (unless you're looking to keep a classic) to simply get another bike and scavenge it.
cdr
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 30
Bikes: '71 Nishiki Semi-Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by TimJ
Oh! Something I never thought of before- I suppose it might be possible to use a standard 1 inch headset and use the old forks if you just use the old .833 headset's locknut.
This sounds like an interesting idea.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,488
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 163 Times
in
89 Posts
Originally Posted by burgerk84
Hi,
I have a '71 Nishiki with a stem labeled ".833". I would like to upgrade my headset and possibly my stem, and i'm guessing forks may have to be upgraded too, but I would rather not. What options do I have? I'm pretty new to bikes, so I know very little about these parts. Also, I'm on a fairly limited budget (of course).
Thanks!
I have a '71 Nishiki with a stem labeled ".833". I would like to upgrade my headset and possibly my stem, and i'm guessing forks may have to be upgraded too, but I would rather not. What options do I have? I'm pretty new to bikes, so I know very little about these parts. Also, I'm on a fairly limited budget (of course).
Thanks!
As for the stem, unless you get a different fork, you'll probably need to stick with the .833" size. I've heard of people sanding down a standard stem to fit the .833" (21.15mm) steerer tube, but there is usually a disclaimer stating something like "I'll never try that again!" 1.05mm may not sound like much, but it's quite a bit of material to sand off. I had success finding a different stem for my Schwinn on ebay, most of the nice ones in .833" are SR branded, and marked .833" on the lower portion of the stem. They can sometimes be found, but they're not terribly common. There are some .833" stems still made, but the ones I've seen are for steel handlebars (22.2mm clamp diameter). The old SR's will be 25.4mm clamp diameter and can be used with most older aluminum drop-style handlebars, and some of the current Nitto drop bars are also available in the 25.4mm size if you want new bars. Good luck-
Here's the link to the Park site showing the headset standards. Scroll to the bottom for the chart: https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=68
Last edited by well biked; 05-25-07 at 03:37 PM.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,959
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Alright I feel like a weirdo with 4 posts in this thread, but anyway...
Here's the deal, burgerking, your stem is .833 inches (21.5mm) most likely because the inside diameter of your fork requires it. A standard "1 inch" (22.2) stem will not fit.
You can't buy a new headset that is sized for a .833 stem. But, the only thing size-specific on the headset is the lower crown race and the top lock nut. If you found a standard 1 inch headset that had a fork crown race that fit properly on your fork (someone else would have to figure that out for you) you could use the new headset with the old headset's locknut and still use your old fork and old stem and have yourself an upgraded headset.
But if you wanted to upgrade your stem you'd either have to find an .833 stem or get a new fork and headset in order to accomodate a standard "1 inch" stem. Forks for 27" wheeled bikes are actually really easy to get. Dimension makes a chrome hi-ten fork for 27" wheels for like $30. So everything you want to do can be done, but it's just a bit complicated unless you scrap everything and buy new.
Now, for .833 stems- you can find them on ebay occasionally. I have a few myself, I've been hoarding. If what you want is something lower and longer than what you have, I probably have a stem for you. If what you want is something higher and/or shorter, good luck. BMX stems will work but who wants a clunky bmx stem with no reach on their road bike? Wald makes some really craptacular stems that will work, they're rolled chrome steel, real heavy, don't look good, and only come in a couple configurations. Other than that it's ebay hunting.
I myself have two .833 nishikis. My wife's bike has been rebuilt and is here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/timrose...7594546525758/
Nice little bike. Luckily the stem was long enough. That's a new bar, made by dimension, they sell bars that are 25.4 clamp diameter. That's another thing- your stem is probably 25.4 clamp diameter which is the mtb standard. Only a few options for drops in that dimension. The other one I have is just a frame right now, but same deal- .833.
It's a pain in the butt.
Here's the deal, burgerking, your stem is .833 inches (21.5mm) most likely because the inside diameter of your fork requires it. A standard "1 inch" (22.2) stem will not fit.
You can't buy a new headset that is sized for a .833 stem. But, the only thing size-specific on the headset is the lower crown race and the top lock nut. If you found a standard 1 inch headset that had a fork crown race that fit properly on your fork (someone else would have to figure that out for you) you could use the new headset with the old headset's locknut and still use your old fork and old stem and have yourself an upgraded headset.
But if you wanted to upgrade your stem you'd either have to find an .833 stem or get a new fork and headset in order to accomodate a standard "1 inch" stem. Forks for 27" wheeled bikes are actually really easy to get. Dimension makes a chrome hi-ten fork for 27" wheels for like $30. So everything you want to do can be done, but it's just a bit complicated unless you scrap everything and buy new.
Now, for .833 stems- you can find them on ebay occasionally. I have a few myself, I've been hoarding. If what you want is something lower and longer than what you have, I probably have a stem for you. If what you want is something higher and/or shorter, good luck. BMX stems will work but who wants a clunky bmx stem with no reach on their road bike? Wald makes some really craptacular stems that will work, they're rolled chrome steel, real heavy, don't look good, and only come in a couple configurations. Other than that it's ebay hunting.
I myself have two .833 nishikis. My wife's bike has been rebuilt and is here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/timrose...7594546525758/
Nice little bike. Luckily the stem was long enough. That's a new bar, made by dimension, they sell bars that are 25.4 clamp diameter. That's another thing- your stem is probably 25.4 clamp diameter which is the mtb standard. Only a few options for drops in that dimension. The other one I have is just a frame right now, but same deal- .833.
It's a pain in the butt.
__________________
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
fun facts: Psychopaths have trouble understanding abstract concepts.
"Incompetent individuals, compared with their more competent peers, will dramatically overestimate their ability and performance relative to objective criteria."
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,488
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 163 Times
in
89 Posts
Originally Posted by TimJ
Oh! Something I never thought of before- I suppose it might be possible to use a standard 1 inch headset and use the old forks if you just use the old .833 headset's locknut.
Last edited by well biked; 05-25-07 at 05:13 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,488
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 163 Times
in
89 Posts
Originally Posted by TimJ
But, the only thing size-specific on the headset is the lower crown race and the top lock nut.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,488
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 163 Times
in
89 Posts
Originally Posted by carpediemracing
I think a BMX stem will work.
#13
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2023
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just got an old Schwinn Le Tour III and planning to convert it to single speed. Just pulled the stem out, believe it's an .833. I have another stem from an old bike that's a bit longer, but I guess it's like 1mm wider? Is that the more common size (if so what is that called)?
Going to examine the headset and clean the bearings, etc. If I decide I need to replace the headset, can I NOT buy headsets for .833 stems? If so, would I have to buy a more common headset and also replace the front forks? Just getting my head around what I might be up against during this conversion! Cheers
Going to examine the headset and clean the bearings, etc. If I decide I need to replace the headset, can I NOT buy headsets for .833 stems? If so, would I have to buy a more common headset and also replace the front forks? Just getting my head around what I might be up against during this conversion! Cheers
#15
aged to perfection
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PacNW
Posts: 1,823
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 1,271 Times
in
669 Posts
0.833 X 25.4 = 21.58 mm
I would certainly try and see if a French sized stem (22.0 mm) would fit.
at least as a 1st step - rather than "upgrade your fork"
/markp
I would certainly try and see if a French sized stem (22.0 mm) would fit.
at least as a 1st step - rather than "upgrade your fork"
/markp
#16
Junior Member
I have a bike with a .833 stem. I eventually got a .833 threaded to threadless adapter and now use what ever 1 1/8 threadless stem that I want. Now I have a lot of angle and length options.
Likes For kommisar:
#17
Junior Member
I have an early Nishiki and I just upgraded the stem/quill and used 21.1mm. Now I can just put whatever stem on I want to.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204207934062
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204207934062
Last edited by Breadfan; 07-14-23 at 11:23 AM.
#18
Junior Member
Likes For kommisar:
#19
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,524
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2750 Post(s)
Liked 3,406 Times
in
2,061 Posts
13 year old thread I'm pretty sure it got figured out
#20
Junior Member
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,437
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5890 Post(s)
Liked 3,475 Times
in
2,080 Posts
#22
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2023
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks guys. I got some calipers The old stem on the Schwin is 21.1mm (is this the outdated american and bmx standard?) and the other stem I have lying around is 22.2 (is this the euro standard?).
That threadless stem adapter looks cool. Maybe I'll get one.
The other question I have is: THe Schwinn handlebars are about 24.7mm. I have some newer bars that measure 25.3mm. I can juuust about get them to fit in the Schwinn stem, with a bit of playing and force. Is that okay or am I doing something dangerous? Am I trying to match two differing standards/eras there too? Cheers
That threadless stem adapter looks cool. Maybe I'll get one.
The other question I have is: THe Schwinn handlebars are about 24.7mm. I have some newer bars that measure 25.3mm. I can juuust about get them to fit in the Schwinn stem, with a bit of playing and force. Is that okay or am I doing something dangerous? Am I trying to match two differing standards/eras there too? Cheers
#23
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Thanks guys. I got some calipers The old stem on the Schwin is 21.1mm (is this the outdated american and bmx standard?) and the other stem I have lying around is 22.2 (is this the euro standard?).
That threadless stem adapter looks cool. Maybe I'll get one.
The other question I have is: THe Schwinn handlebars are about 24.7mm. I have some newer bars that measure 25.3mm. I can juuust about get them to fit in the Schwinn stem, with a bit of playing and force. Is that okay or am I doing something dangerous? Am I trying to match two differing standards/eras there too? Cheers
That threadless stem adapter looks cool. Maybe I'll get one.
The other question I have is: THe Schwinn handlebars are about 24.7mm. I have some newer bars that measure 25.3mm. I can juuust about get them to fit in the Schwinn stem, with a bit of playing and force. Is that okay or am I doing something dangerous? Am I trying to match two differing standards/eras there too? Cheers
Here is an opinion that is of the minority on this site. I don’t like aluminum stems with one pinch bolt to hold the bars. If something is going to open and close a few times in its life, I want it to be steel. If it’s aluminum, I want a removable faceplate.
I think the usual (handlebar mount diameter) options are 22.2 (7/8”), 25.4 (1”), 26.something (spandex hamsters), and 31.something (fancy newer bikes).
Last edited by SkinGriz; 07-16-23 at 04:41 PM.
#25
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
If it’s aluminum I don’t know.
Likes For SkinGriz: