Road Cycling - 1 1/8 adapter

Finally, the time to get the stem and handlebar that fits me. I have two options. I already know what I will get but i have one question. Are those adapters that convert the 1" to 1 1/8 recommended or not or should I just get the quill stem. If i go threadless it will be the same price plus 20$ for the adapter. Is it worth it or not.

Hehe, more info please. :) You have a threaded fork and headset, right? And this 1" to 1 1/8" adapter... :confused: My best guess, you mean it's designed to wedge inside a 1" steer tube and allow a 1 1/8" threadless stem to be clamped onto it, so it's basically a quill for a threadless stem. Is that the idea?

If so, the main benefit I can see is that you could pick a stem with a removable two-bolt handlebar cap, so you could change stems easily (or pack the bike more easily in a box). It would also probably be very stiff compared to a classic forged quill stem (not always a benefit).

Personally, I'd go with a classic quill stem for the appearance and simplicity, but that's your call.

yah thats exactly what it is.. hmm.. i gotta see.. i need more opinions

o ya,

do i want 3TTT or Cinelli

Whatever you choose, it would be a good idea to make sure your handlebar and stem have matching diameters on the clamping areas. Most mountain stems have a 25.4mm clamp area, while most road bars have a 26.0mm clamp area these days, although there are the new oversized ones too.

i know i know i know

whats the advantage of stiff vs not as stiff when it comes to the stem.

I had a Control Tech threadless stem on my road racer for a while, and it was very stiff/rigid, making it feel a little better when pulling really hard on the bars (standing climbing, or sprinting). Likewise for the quill-style Syncros that was on the bike when it got hammered by a car (photos on my web page if you want to see ;)). Tubular aluminum stems are pretty stiff.

The forged 3TTT stem on my touring bike, for comparison, has a bit of flex to it. It adds a little shock absorbtion to the front end of the bike, although it doesn't feel so efficient if I go ape on it and try to sprint. Sort of a compromise to it.