Bicycle Mechanics - Just Stem left now.

Many of you may remember my threads discussing buildup of a Cannondale 2.8 frame. After months of hunting eBay and some cool deals this holiday season, I have all the parts I need now, almost!

I am missing a stem, the only reason I did not buy it yet is I am not sure what length I need. I plan to build the bike up this weekend, and then take it to the LBS to torque everything up to the specs and then find the correct stem for my needs. The problem is until I have the stem, I cannot really put the handlebar on and therefore brifters, bar tape, mirror etc.

I don't think my LBS will let me exchange a new stem in case I decided to put just any size stem on first and then go from there.

How should I proceed with this?

Thanks.

Maybe your LBS has a used one you can use for fitting?

I have a spare Coda stem I'm not using. What size is the fork?

The stem I have is 1+1/8", 120mm, it looks like a 0 degree angle. It's for non-oversized bars. PM me if you want to discuss it.

superslomo: Thanks, but my bar is oversized (31.8), so your stem will not work.

I will ask LBS.

Your 2.8 frame uses a 1 inch steerer. I assume you're looking at using a shimmed 1 & 1/8 inch threadless stem with for your oversized bar.

Fixer: Yes the steerer is 1 inch, but I installed a threadless adapter that came with a shim, so I can install both 1" or 1-1/8" stems that can accomodate oversized bar.