Hatchet

Hi all,
I would like to get a touring-specific stem for this Bianchi Volpe because The reach is too far and I plan on using it for commuting and some light touring and would like a more comfortable riding position. Any suggestions?
The stem diameter is 22.2 mm, the clamp is 2.54 and the reach is about 11 cm - of which I think I'd need about 1/2 that. Not sure of the best rise angle - maybe what ever "standard" is (if there is one)?

Also, what are everyone's thoughts on staying with a quill stem as the bike has now, versus changing to a threadless adapter? What are the pros and cons?

John Nolan 

The big pro of a treadless adapter is that it's easier to try out different stems without undoing the handlebars every time.

Is the seat moved forward in an attempt to compensate for the stem? If so, it looks like you need a very short stem. It might be that it would be easier to get that in a quill, I'm not sure. I have some very short quills, but I got them from the local coop, not retail.

Leebo

Velo orange and rivendell might have what you need.

pdlamb

I'm not sure why this is a "touring" stem, I'd think it'd simply be a stem to make your bike fit. Your LBS should be able to help you source a replacement (and they'll be on the hook if the size isn't right).

Though you're thinking about halving the stem reach, you might want to scale it back more gently. Try a 7-8 cm stem first, unless your LBS has a fit cycle to help you dial in the right size up front. You might also want to look for one of the Nitto tall stems; raise it high enough and you'll experience an effective shortening of the stem.

mstateglfr 

The bike looks big for you. The stem is really long, the saddle is really low, and the saddle isnpushed forward.

anyways- there is nothing that is actually a touring stem. Use any quill stem- dont search for a touring specific stem.

Is the handlebar height ok or would you want it higher? If it should be higher, then getting a threadless adapter quill as well as a threadless stem with rise could help.

something like this on my touring bike.

Tourist in MSN

I also switched to a threadless stem and quill adapter on one of my bikes, see photo. I used the Nashbar quill adapter, but I think the one that Mstateglfr used is from Velo Orange which I think is longer than the Nashbar one.

Nice thing about this option is that you can get threadless stems in a huge variety of angles from 0 up to 35 degrees along with a variety of lengths. You would obviously have to remove the tape from one side of the bar to remove your existing stem, but virtually all threadless stems can be installed or removed without having to remove brake levers or tape.

masterchief

Take a look at Nittos "dirt drop" stems, they could be what you're after.

fietsbob

If you plan on Going touring as opposed to just owning a touring/cross bike ..

the use of one of those quill to threadless conversions and stems with removable face plates
or...
https://velo-orange.com/collections/...ceplate-31-8mm
(shim down to what your bar is)

will simplify boxing up the bike for shipping, to see things further away than a loop starting at you front door.





...

skimaxpower

If that seat is properly adjusted for your height, the bike frame is too large for you.
It's possible to sink lots of time and money into the bike making it kinda-sorta fit. But you'd be better off selling this excellent used bike to someone else and using the money to buy a bike that fits you better.

MarcusT

If that does not shorten the length enough, you can consider switching to a flat bar, or trekking bars

Hatchet