Adjustable stem?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Adjustable stem?
I recall seeing somewhere on this forum a picture of a stem that was adjustable. It basically allowed you to move the stem up or down from a pivot point and lock it in.
I'm not sure how stable it might be but I'm interested to see if it might help me dial in what I need instead fo committing to a particular fixed stem.
Thanks.
I'm not sure how stable it might be but I'm interested to see if it might help me dial in what I need instead fo committing to a particular fixed stem.
Thanks.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,688
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 295 Times
in
222 Posts
And your question is?
Yes, there are adjustable stems. Both for quill stems and aheadset stems.
Most are angle-only. A select few are angle-and-reach.
They are generally seen as OK for fit testing purposes, but to be replaced ASAP with a fixed stem offering the desired rise and reach.
Me, I’m not so categorical.
Sure, I realize they’re heavier than a fixed stem.
And I’ve seen a couple that have developed an annoying play during use.
But IME, the weight penalty overall isn’t much to moan about.
And - If tightened correctly after adjustment - you need to put out some serious watts before the flex coming from being adjustable becomes a valid issue.
Yes, there are adjustable stems. Both for quill stems and aheadset stems.
Most are angle-only. A select few are angle-and-reach.
They are generally seen as OK for fit testing purposes, but to be replaced ASAP with a fixed stem offering the desired rise and reach.
Me, I’m not so categorical.
Sure, I realize they’re heavier than a fixed stem.
And I’ve seen a couple that have developed an annoying play during use.
But IME, the weight penalty overall isn’t much to moan about.
And - If tightened correctly after adjustment - you need to put out some serious watts before the flex coming from being adjustable becomes a valid issue.
#3
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
When I bought my last bike, I purchased some cheap stems and tried a few, along with different stem spacers to get it right. Then when I had it right, I bought a proper stem (one I'd be happy with) and then cut down the extra tubing afterwards. I kind of knew in which direction I'd go.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,599
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Liked 699 Times
in
436 Posts
If I was wanting to see what angle was best for me, but knew what reach, I'd buy the cheapest adjustable and figure what angle I wanted, then buy a regular stem. I want something solid when it comes to steering. IF I was to use an adjustable (but don't think I would), from what I've read, the only one I might consider would be one from Ritchey: https://www.jensonusa.com/Ritchey-4-...20Group%20%231 The two bolt design for adjustment would seem to be much better than a single bolt.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 1,823
Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 614 Post(s)
Liked 565 Times
in
429 Posts
I've used an adjustable stem, previously. A Ritchey 4-axis adjustable (click @ Ritcheylogic.com); this one's an example of a stem for the AheadSet standard. Works fine. Take it apart, lock it down, and it's set. It's got big splines inside the unit that aren't going anywhere once you tighten the adjustment screw. Very solid. Indistinguishable from a typical non-adjustable stem, function-wise, other than it adjusts in angle. There are less-expensive adjustable stems made, but the Ritchey is a well-designed one.
As others have said, similar units are available out there for quill-type stems.
I've used it and kept it, in some cases. And I've used it to dial-in the fit, then swapped it for the correct stem (angle and length). Works fine, either way.
Am currently building-up a bike that has an uncut steerer on the fork, which extends a good foot above the head tube. Using numerous spacers, I'm able to raise the height of the existing stem to the height where the bars will result in "perfect" hand position. Once I've determined the right spot (for the hands), I'll get a stem with the appropriate angle and length (likely, shorter and much steeper), then cut off the "excess" from the steerer tube. (Right now, the length of the steerer tube is ludicrously tall, but that's only for testing/fitting purposes and temporary.)
As others have said, similar units are available out there for quill-type stems.
I've used it and kept it, in some cases. And I've used it to dial-in the fit, then swapped it for the correct stem (angle and length). Works fine, either way.
Am currently building-up a bike that has an uncut steerer on the fork, which extends a good foot above the head tube. Using numerous spacers, I'm able to raise the height of the existing stem to the height where the bars will result in "perfect" hand position. Once I've determined the right spot (for the hands), I'll get a stem with the appropriate angle and length (likely, shorter and much steeper), then cut off the "excess" from the steerer tube. (Right now, the length of the steerer tube is ludicrously tall, but that's only for testing/fitting purposes and temporary.)
Likes For Clyde1820:
#6
Member
Thread Starter
If I was wanting to see what angle was best for me, but knew what reach, I'd buy the cheapest adjustable and figure what angle I wanted, then buy a regular stem. I want something solid when it comes to steering. IF I was to use an adjustable (but don't think I would), from what I've read, the only one I might consider would be one from Ritchey: https://www.jensonusa.com/Ritchey-4-...20Group%20%231 The two bolt design for adjustment would seem to be much better than a single bolt.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 1,823
Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 614 Post(s)
Liked 565 Times
in
429 Posts
IIRC, the Ritchey can adjust to about a 55 degree angle. You just take off stem's "neck" from the stem's base, then reinstall so the splines lock up at a different angle, then tighten the bolt. Easily done, assuming the length of your cables allow that range of motion. Works well. Isn't going anywhere, once you reassemble and tighten down.