Road Cycling - adjustable stem for drop bars

Anyone know of any decent adjustable angle threadless stems to fit a 26.0 drop bar? That is reasonably priced? Kalloy and Zoom from what I've found so far seem to stick to 25.4 clamps... Thanks!

look makes an adjustable stem.

here it is. (http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Ergo+Threadless+Stem&vendorCode=LOOK&major=1&minor=22) it's really effing expensive though.

ITM makes an adjustable stem too. It'll set you back about US$100 though.

Here's a whole slew of them... http://harriscyclery.net/site/page.cfm?PageID=49&Category=640

Uh, never mind, Most of them seem to be 25.4.


Here's one that is only $12 and may be worth experimenting with since it doesn't say what size it is.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2213921672&category=420

Is there much usable difference between 25.4 and 25.8/26.0?

I saw a few when looking for a stem,they weigh a pound.

I saw a few when looking for a stem,they weigh a pound.

Sure they weigh a lot and I think they're fairly useless for riding once position is determined. I would have to say that in general, there are two types of riders which adjustable stems are well suited.


The beginning rider who is still developing form on the bike. Having an adjustable stem allows him/her to get used to the bike and adjust their position over time. At some point they'll probably replace the stem with a fixed position stem.
The serious cycling enthuiast who likes to tinker with their bikes components and/or owns multiple bikes or often buys many bikes. He or she will most likely install the adjustable stem for a time being to garnish proper length and angles before going out to buy a proper fixed stem. Having an adjustable stem on hand helps to decrease the possibility of ending up with a drawer/bin full of useless expensive stems.

Sure they weigh a lot and I think they're fairly useless for riding once position is determined. I would have to say that in general, there are two types of riders which adjustable stems are well suited.


The beginning rider who is still developing form on the bike. Having an adjustable stem allows him/her to get used to the bike and adjust their position over time. At some point they'll probably replace the stem with a fixed position stem.
The serious cycling enthuiast who likes to tinker with their bikes components and/or owns multiple bikes or often buys many bikes. He or she will most likely install the adjustable stem for a time being to garnish proper length and angles before going out to buy a proper fixed stem. Having an adjustable stem on hand helps to decrease the possibility of ending up with a drawer/bin full of useless expensive stems.

Length?Dont they only adjust angle rise?

Length?Dont they only adjust angle rise?

I believe the Look Ergo stem I saw also adjusted length. At anyrate, adjusting angle and rise can give you "effective length". I guess I was talking in logical terms (effective length, effective angle, effective rise). Afterall the goal is to get your hands to a proper X-Y position in space... the actual length and angles really don't matter. This is the one thing that has always confused me about the whole straight-bar vs. riser-bar debate in the MTB world. I prefer straight bars and proper stems rather than risers on my MTB but people often claim that you simply can't get a more upright position with a straight which is untrue as long as you've chosen the right stem.

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/newproducthm.htm
this thing might not be available yet, but it's not too heavy. The trick with stem placement is trial and error. there are some basic rules of thumb (with your hands on the tops and sitting in your most typical position, your eyes will be in direct alignment with your handlebars when you look at your front hub and when you stand and pedal, your knees will clear the handlebars). But you need to ride it for a 50 mile ride and see how it feels and adjust.

Any recent/new opinions on the use of an adjustable stem on a road bike?

I am considering it, since I think it just might add some variety to my rides.

if you need the stem just to find out the best fit for you, and then get a "real" fixed stem, then you should look at a cheapo adjustable stem like Kalloy. Can be found on eBay for $19.00. it is a heavy and not the best quality, but who cares if it is just for figuring out the angle best for you..

I have a Look Ergo stem on my tandem. It is totally adjustable for angle and length, out to 150mm. It is heavy, but otherwise a great product, suitable for setting up your bike or for a bike that may have multiple riders. On a tandem, 1/2lb makes no difference.

I bought mine from Nasbar, it was under $25. Works for me.

A historical note: The bicycle stem as we know it today, and the adjustable length stem, were invented by the real Major Taylor. Before he added the stem, handlebars were attached directed to the steerer.

Thanks for the responses. Just out of curiosity. Would adding 6 degrees of rise make any difference at all? I believe that is what I would get if I flipped the bar. I guess what I'm asking is whether the average cyclist would even notice a change of 6 degrees. I'd like to hear your opinion before I monkey around with my bike too much.

Thanks for the responses. Just out of curiosity. Would adding 6 degrees of rise make any difference at all? I believe that is what I would get if I flipped the bar. I guess what I'm asking is whether the average cyclist would even notice a change of 6 degrees. I'd like to hear your opinion before I monkey around with my bike too much.

Flipping the stem will result in a change of 12 degrees (the difference between 6 degrees and -6 degrees is 12). And yes, you will definitely notice the distance.

My gf's Jamis came stock with a Ritchey one. Heavy as hell but a solid design.

My gf's Jamis came stock with a Ritchey one. Heavy as hell but a solid design.

+1 on the Ritchey; it works superbly after I managed to get it to run creak-free with a little grease. It's helped me dial in my riding position a lot.

Oval Concepts makes one too... about $55 USD

http://www.ovalconcepts.com/productsGenereDett.php?idGenere=13&idCat=2