Bicycle Mechanics - can i flip a stem myself?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : can i flip a stem myself?

adrien
04-24-07, 12:26 PM
I have a 2005 Specialized rockhopper comp.

After many months of getting used to a more "raod" posture (on my Kona JTS), I find myself wanting the handlebars lower on the Specialized.

I'm ok with mechanical stuff like changing tires and wheels and making adjustments. Any tricks to flipping the stem I should be aware of?

waterrockets
04-24-07, 12:39 PM
It's pretty easy. Check out the help at http://www.parktool.com

I flipped a stem on someone else's bike this weekend in about 5 minutes on the roadside.
vpiuva
04-24-07, 01:48 PM
It's pretty easy. Check out the help at http://www.parktool.com

I flipped a stem on someone else's bike this weekend in about 5 minutes on the roadside.

??? story ???

astrodaimler
04-24-07, 01:59 PM
Flipping a stem requires a Park Tool Certification as well as LBS experience. I'd say, stick to an LBS that has really old guys who look like they can spell ashtabula baskasswards in 2 seconds and has a cotter pin necklace.

Seriously, you'll probably need a 5mm allen wrench to get the bars and stem off as well as the tightnening bolt. It will take you about 45 to 90 seconds to do and 2 weeks playing around with the correct bar position :)
CdCf
04-24-07, 02:06 PM
Yeah, flipping a stem only takes a few minutes at most.
waterrockets
04-24-07, 02:40 PM
??? story ???

Houston/Austin MS-150, girl on the corporate team riding a new bike, way too stretched out, sore neck and back.

Flat stem!!!

Flipped it and cranked her bars up about 5 degrees. All better. Sucks that shops let folks ride off looking like that :rolleyes: