Bicycle Mechanics - ebay: ORIGIN8 quill stem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230326757548

Is this thing a POS? I really want a nice nitto stem, but this one is so cheap...

I have been trolling ebay for classier stems, but their prices keep rocketing in the last 5 minutes.

If anybody knows of or has one, let me know. I am a smidge large for my frame, so I want something around 90-120mm, with a pretty mild drop. I don't mind using one thats scratched to all hell, as long as it works well. I am refinishing my seat post and crank because they are getting kinda rough, so I could just do the stem too while I'm at it. I'd prefer to stay away from the clunky looking stems, since I do appreciate the simple grace of the classic quill stem.

Oh, forgot to mention: I have 25.4mm drop bars and a 1" steerer.

Here's another option:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390030635323

Only problem there is that its a bit smaller than what I'm looking for.

That's a big problem. Proper size is most important.

True.

Opinions on this Trek Icon stem? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170313110434

How about a Syncros stem? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260377981171

How about a Nitto stem?

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/stems/index.html#onethreadstems

If I was gonna get a Nitto, it definitely wouldn't be coming from Sheldon's site, because
(a) I wouldn't get a 225mm-tall Technomic, that's are waaay too long for my ~105mm head tube.
(b) I wouldn't get a Lugged one, they are waaay too expensive for what they are.

A better Nitto choice for me would be the Technomic SQ, which is widely available online for $36.


Anyways, I went with the Syncros for $20 shipped. It'll work fine until I come across a better deal on a different one.

Oh, also, the Syncros has a hinged clamp, which should be handy, since I'm gonna be playing with different handlebar setups as soon as I get the bike back together.

Anybody here ever use a hinged clamp? Did it hold up ok?

Origin8 is the house brand of J+B Importers, a large parts distributor. Origin8 branded stuff is comparable to most other house brand components, Zoom, Kalloy etc. Maybe not the lightest or fanciest but certainly not a POS. That stem looks really nice actually. It's not easy to find shiny silver parts inexpensivly these days.

Do make sure you get the right length and height though, that trumps all other concerns. No use having a good looking bike that's a pain to ride.

Edit: Oops, you snuck in right before my reply. The hinge will be nice if you're planning to swap handlebars.

^^ Thanks for the response!