Popularity of stems with two separate clamps instead of single faceplate
11-28-23, 10:37 AM
#1
Popularity of stems with two separate clamps instead of single faceplate
I guess they are starting to appear in order to avoid X pattern while tightening.
Can't remember if I tightened the faceplate last time using X pattern or not due to partially spacing out while doing mundane/repetitive tasks recently while also having to pay attention to other semi-related details (might be complacency).
Shame there aren't any markings indicating bolt tightening order on every faceplate as a reminder.
Can't remember if I tightened the faceplate last time using X pattern or not due to partially spacing out while doing mundane/repetitive tasks recently while also having to pay attention to other semi-related details (might be complacency).
Shame there aren't any markings indicating bolt tightening order on every faceplate as a reminder.
11-28-23, 10:43 AM
#2
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Don't you tighten all bolts in a X pattern?
Even if only two bolts I tighten them evenly.
Barry
Even if only two bolts I tighten them evenly.
Barry
11-28-23, 11:35 AM
#3
As far as I can remember I tend to always tighten them in X pattern normally but sometimes get confused with repeating exact tightening order.
Last edited by sysrq; 11-28-23 at 11:57 AM.
11-28-23, 12:49 PM
#4
Junior Member
If it's a solid faceplate, I use the X pattern. For split clamps, I evenly snug down the bolts, one side at a time until the handlebar does rotate. Then use the X pattern to final torque all 4 bolts.
11-28-23, 03:01 PM
#5
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I overtightened a stem on a travel bike a while back, and stripped the aluminum stem. Got a single-set torque wrench while I was getting a new stem, so now I don't worry about over (or under) tightening.
IME, the two separate pieces was a bit easier to handle during installation and removal. Maybe it doesn't matter for removal (now where did that bolt go??), but trying to hold one stem, one bar, four bolts, and an Allen wrench with only two hands can be a challenge. Take two bolts away and it's nearly possible for humans.
IME, the two separate pieces was a bit easier to handle during installation and removal. Maybe it doesn't matter for removal (now where did that bolt go??), but trying to hold one stem, one bar, four bolts, and an Allen wrench with only two hands can be a challenge. Take two bolts away and it's nearly possible for humans.
11-28-23, 11:27 PM
#6
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IME, the two separate pieces was a bit easier to handle during installation and removal. Maybe it doesn't matter for removal (now where did that bolt go??), but trying to hold one stem, one bar, four bolts, and an Allen wrench with only two hands can be a challenge. Take two bolts away and it's nearly possible for humans.
Regardless of whether the face plate is one piece or two separate bars, all you have to do is to evenly tighten two bolts so that the face plate is barely holding the handlebar snug, adjust handlebar as desired, then evenly tighten the other two bolts until they are barely snug, then tighten all bolts half turn per bolt in an alternating pattern to specified torque.
11-28-23, 11:42 PM
#7
You can tighten a 4 bolt plate in any order you want, as long as it is even geometrically and in tension. 2 piece plates are lighter, not easier.
12-01-23, 09:30 PM
#8
The are some stems with markings indicating to tighten the upper bolts finger tight and then the lower ones up to specified torque.
12-01-23, 10:34 PM
#9
Yup. But those stems are designed to work like a one piece stem with the upper plate in contact with the stem body. Similar looking, but completely different design.
12-02-23, 11:06 AM
#10
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OP...Perhaps the manufacturer's feel that if you tighten it to what ever method or criteria they give you that it is satisfactory for use. You are imagining that perfection in tightening is quantifiably better for safety.
12-02-23, 06:20 PM
#11
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Compared to other 4-bolt plates that should show even gaps everywhere, it's simpler to install and adjust, and probably harder to screw up. Mind, I first installed it without reading any documentation, following the Guy Rule, and did it the old way.
12-02-23, 10:39 PM
#12
