chorscroft

I have a quill stem on a bike that currently has flat handlebars in.

It does not have a faceplate like most modern stems but simply has one hex bolt which tightens it or loosens it and so to install handlebars you have to remove everything and slide them in.

I'm wanting to put drop bars on the bike. Is it possible to use them with this stem or will the curves and bends not be able to slide on?

Thanks

oldbobcat

If the clamping area of the stem is narrow enough to clear the bends in the drop bar and the clamping area of the drop bar is the same as your flat bar, yes. That's how we did it in the olden days.

dabac

Will depend on the bar in question. An older bar with the softer curves will fit after a bit of wriggling. A newer bar might prove a bit more challenging.

Garthr

Yes, it will work, assuming it's a road stem and not a atb stem, which is too wide at the clamp. Road bars need a road stem. Sliding the stem onto the bars has been done for decades. Some of the newer oversized bars may not work though. The ones that will work are the "normal" bars, TTT, Cinelli, Nitto, etc. Open face stems are only a recent invention.

If in doubt about your stem, post a photo. The bars in question too.

DannoXYZ 

Notice how the stem's clamp has a narrow section? It's typically near the clamp-bolt. When sliding the stem onto the bars (much easier than sliding the bars into the stem), you rotate the stem so that the narrow section of the clamp is on the inside-radius (tight) side of the bar.

urbanknight

:facepalm: Do you know how many times I wrestled with my handlebars back in the 90's and NOBODY tipped me off to that one?

Ex Pres 

Some, but not many, old stems have a small set-screw near the large clamp screw that facilitates opening the "hole", allowing an easier bar insertion. If yours has one, use it or you'll be fighting it.

rs1101

i just have a good screwdriver, or sometimes you can use a hammer pry, to wedge open the clamp. some tighter fits may require two people

hbsyncro

don't get bars w/anatomical drops.

psirue

use a penny.

chorscroft

Here is a few pics of the stem:






And the drop bar I'm considering buying:

Garthr

I don' think they'll fit, as it appears to an atb stem. Road bars need a relatively narrow stem clamp to get around the bars, and I'm not seeing it here.

The good news is, stems are inexpensive. But, this appears to be a riser stem, is that correct? Either way, many shops have bins of used quills that should be cheap.

Good luck!

operator

Consider buying a new stem.

Nitto also makes a tool that makes opening up seattube/stem openings much easier -

Road Fan

i would just do a test fit without brake levers et cetera and see if you like it, for bar fit, ability of the stem to clamp the bar, the overall appearance (painted stem, aluminum bar), and position of the bar. It will also tell you if you NEED another stem.