(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best bike stems

Thanks! I've been having a blast on this thing.

I put this 90mm stem on it. I mainly chose the shorter stem to accommodate the drop bars. I think the stock stem was a little longer than 110, but i'm not sure. The bike definitely turns a bit quicker. I prefer the handling with the shorter stem.

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TIL what "cold setting a frame" is. I'm on what i think is the original wheelset. I think i like this frame too much to experiment on.

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I kept as many components as i could. that's also the original drivetrain i got with the bike (minus the chain and shift levers). The bike was in relatively great shape when i got it.

I scored this Rockhopper for $50! Now I’m looking to modernize pretty much the whole thing. Please critique my build list below. Would you get anything different, or better, or maybe anything else that would be better value? Did I miss anything? Do you think all of this will work together? It will be my adventure bike for bike packing, gravel, off road touring.

FOMTOR 25.4 stem 60mm 35 Degree Bike Handlebar Stem Riserhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G71CZG6

UPANBIKE Road Mountain Bike Bicycle Stem Riser Adapter 1 1/8" φ22.2mm https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071LLR8PR

Action 1-1/8" W/Adjuster Black Cable Hanger Fronthttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XCSKWCQ

KMC X9L 9 Speed Chain Gold Coatedhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0789HPV7M

Wheel Set 26 x 1.5, Mavic x M117, Deore M530 9Sp Hub, Blk SS Spokes, 32Hhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033H53VI

Shimano Deore 9-Speed Mountain Bicycle Rear Derailleur - RD-M591https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OWPRLI

Maxxis DTH 26 X 2.15 60A Kevlar Blackhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XIT4YS

XCSOURCE MTB Mountain Bike Crankset Aluminum Bicycle Crank Sprocket and Bottom Bracket Kit 170mm CS400https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWXUV7I

RaceFace 104mm Single Chain Ringhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3FG6ZW

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Edit: Adding Shifters and Cassette

SHIMANO Deore SL-M590 9-Speed Shift Lever
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKVJF8Y/

JGbike Sunrace 8 9 10 Speed MTB Cassette 11-40T 1 Wide Ratio Including 22mm Extender - for SRAM Shimano-Type splined freehub Body
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRLWHEO

A good option is either a steeply angled stem and/or something like specialized hover bars. That might not make up for a whole 4.7cm... that's a lot of rise! For me, more drop is roughly interchangeable with shorter reach, so a slightly shorter stem (including a more steeply angled stem in the same length) might be a good fit even with more drop than you think you want.

Replacing the fork is a good option, and potentially cheaper than replacing the bar and stem. There are limits to how many spacers can safely be stacked under the stem, do your research if you decide to go that route.

Yes, you can use either one of these, but it looks like you'll also need to lengthen the brake cable. If you get the adjustable one I'm posting, it'll pull the bars back to the rider, giving the same effect, and you might not have to lengthen the cable. all these types of products come in different lengths too. Make sure to measure the stem width, usually 1 1/8th across.

https://www.amazon.com/Suncentech-Adjustable-Mountain-Handlebar-Components/dp/B077JXCKB3/ref=sr_1_7?crid=12BFTSCP9YPP1&keywords=bicycle+handlebar+adjustable+stem+riser&qid=1562554708&s=gateway&sprefix=bicycle+handlebar+adjustable+stem+riser%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-7


https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-Bicycle-Extender-Handlebar/dp/B000FGYKWS/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=bicycle+stem+riser&qid=1562555126&s=gateway&sr=8-11

Funny you should post this because I just swapped out my stem and was pretty clueless about how to do it. I discovered that:

1. It's about a 15 minute job, so if you think you might want to change your position it's not that hard to do for a single ride.
   
2. Not all stems fit all handlebars and stem tubes. You need to find out the current diameter of your handlebars and stems. Note here that this stem comes in various sizes, tilts, and lengths. https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Mountain-Handlebar-Aluminum-Lightweight/dp/B078XG2CV3/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2F2BVSW0VRAQP&keywords=bike+stem+31.8&qid=1557698480&s=gateway&sprefix=bike+stem+%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-10
   
3. I don't know if those adjustable stems are reliable, but it looks like they can be had for about $15, so it could be worth it to try one out.
   
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   In my case, I went from 100mm +/- 5 to 90mm +/-10 and has made a difference in my wrist comfort.

Assorted companies do adjustable stems which allow you to fine-tune your position. I got my dad one of these a while back and after years of being unhappy with his position he was finally able to find one he was happy with. You wouldn't want to do fast offroading on it however it's stood up find to general leisure riding and a tour down the Danube. He initially used it with flat bars then I got him a North Road bars which are rather upright, very comfortable and suit the kind of riding he does very well.

Adjustable stems are heavy, less rigid than is ideal and don't look that great, however if you're having trouble finding a position you're happy with you use a cheap adjustable for a while till you find a position you like then get a regular stem which duplicates that position.

I wanted a more upright position for navigating traffic on my utility bike so I switched to a trekking bar, they're not for everyone but I like the way it gives me a upright position for traffic and a selection of more stretched out positions for the open road.

I use these on a couple of bikes -- http://www.amazon.com/Raleigh-GNJ116-Short-Handlebar-Fitting/dp/B004KW6NZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462150790&sr=8-1&keywords=raleigh+stem

Not a solution for your long reach requirements though.

I'd say the threadless adapter is your best bet -- you'll be opening up your options massively. Try this Google Image search for inspiration before you commit -- https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=quill+stem+with+removable+plate&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiIwcnmn7rMAhViF8AKHVWACw8QsAQIJg&biw=1280&bih=895&dpr=1

So I have an FSA chain, pretty sure it's this one with the "quick link"

Do you know whether the KMC or SRAM link is the more compatible one? Thanks.

I have a cross check and the bike shop left the steering tube uncut, but I still had the same issue of the handlebars having an aggressive stance. My buddy has this ergotec stem which helps a lot. I got this one from amazon for about 20 bucks which is 40 degrees, and it makes a difference. Also the bike shop mentioned that it's easier to make a small bike bigger than a big bike smaller, and after buying my 62 XC frame, I totally agree. It technically fits me, but it is more difficult to get what I want.

Thanks! I was torn between green and purple, but green was much easier to find parts in.

The stem is a cheap one off of amazon, it’s more faded looking in person than the picture: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07786KW33/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sOkyDbY165NKK

This thing.
JK, stems are kinda whatever goes. I think what looks good depends on the rest of the bike.

Oh, I overlooked the "threadless" part. Fortunately, threadless makes is much, much easier!

Just put a shim on your steerer and you can put any modern stem and handlebar you like on there.

It's not unique at all; in fact I have two bikes with 1" threadless headsets, both with shims and modern stems.

Here is the stem I bought: https://www.amazon.com/Syncros-RR1-0-Aero-Bicycle-Stem/dp/B01LW22KSY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=syncros+aero+stem&qid=1563633778&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Here is the shim:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DKKYIYK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


The steerer is carbon as well which was why I used fiber grip initially. When I took off the stem to do a clean up, I used my calipers and double checked the size of the steerer and it was indeed 1 1/8.

I definitely agree that buying valves is worth it. Here's what I use.

And what the heck was the guy doing with the syringe for the sealant if he wasn't going to remove the valve core? The better way, IMO, is to seat the tire dry, remove the valve core, put the syringe hose on the open valve, inject the sealant, and replace the core. Way less messy, especially if you have problems seating the tire.

No spacers needed for most of these type of adapters.

If you think you might want to play around with trying out different stems, I'd suggest looking at other models rather than the Profile Designs one. Similar to a regular threadless fork, it requires you to unscrew the top.

There are others out there with top caps that are small enough to still allow the stem to be removed without loosening the adapter.

For 1" forks:

https://dimensionbikeproducts.com/products/stems/steerer_adaptor

For 1-1/8" forks:

What I'm currently using on an old Trek: https://smile.amazon.com/UPANBIKE-Mountain-Bicycle-Adapter-150mm%CF%8622-2mm/dp/B071ZDFL61/

Higher end option: https://www.benscycle.com/nitto-mtc-02-quill-stem-to-theadless-adapter---286254mm/stem_column_adapters_nitto__870-093-30_870-093-30/product

Not a stick-out one, but also a good mount from k-edge that mounts on the stem:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FZ5BJEQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_1R3cub1JRBGBA

I use these for my commuter/touring bike because the stick-out ones are more likely to get snapped off when manhandling the bike.

Cheapo Wake brand off Amazon. I have a few. Very nice for $9

https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Mountain-Handlebar-Bicycle-Aluminum/dp/B07413ZRM6/ref=sxin_3_sxwds-bia-wc1_0?keywords=wake+stem&pd_rd_i=B07413ZRM6&pd_rd_r=29b5e1d8-0623-499f-a2b1-4e7a13f0d839&pd_rd_w=5KqLZ&pd_rd_wg=SiBru&pf_rd_p=39e7c2a0-69e1-4a3f-8d8f-4c4ee1aefdb5&pf_rd_r=DV5FHN8ERC15SR2WAG3R&psc=1&qid=1569514883

The Kilo TT uses a threadless stem. Most bicycles do, although some older ones have a quill stem.

Anyhow, regarding this Cinelli Vai:

> 1-1/8" fork clamp diameter

The Kilo TT has a 1" fork, so no, this specific stem won't work.

Edit: You can use a shim to make it fit, though. It's relatively painless.

I dont think I will be able to correctly communicate that to anyone here.. It was suggested I get a stem riser. These three ship to where I am, could you recommend one?

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Alloy-Bicycle-Raiser-8-Inch/dp/B000FGYKWS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413552672&sr=8-2&keywords=stem+riser


http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Pro-Stem-Raiser-Black/dp/B007WEQIT4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1413552672&sr=8-4&keywords=stem+riser


http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-Bicycle-Handlebar-Extender-Adaptor/dp/B00LM34GQI/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1413552672&sr=8-16&keywords=stem+riser

I picked up a $10 Chinese stem off of Amazon in a color that I liked for one of my bikes. I've had no problems at all with it. No creaks and it seems perfectly sturdy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07413ZRM6?th=1&psc=1

Just use a regular threadless 1" headset and 1" threadless fork with a 1-1/8" shim on the steer tube so you can use any stem you want.

You dont need a 1" stem, just buy a shim and use whatever 1 1/8" stem you want

Would 180mm long quill work for you? You can even get this in two different stem lengths, and the 31.8 clamp diameter allows you to use modern bars.

Can anyone comment on this one? https://www.amazon.com/Suncentech-Adjustable-Mountain-Handlebar-Components/dp/B077JXCKB3/ref=asc_df_B077JXCKB3/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312111916046&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15639703477392013726&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030997&hvtargid=pla-404263952538&psc=1

Get a "handlebar raiser" if you want to make it higher.

ex. - http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Pro-Stem-Raiser-Black/dp/B007WEQIT4/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1449779893&sr=1-1&keywords=handlebar+raisers

OTOH, to lower, just move the spacers to the top instead of bottom.