Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Quill Stem v. Threadless Stem

I am thinking about converting a quill stem to a threaded adapter and threadless stem. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each on an LD bike?

Thanks

RFC

An adapter and threadless stem offers one more junction where things could get loose or out of adjustment, plus it's going to weigh more.

On the plus side, there's a wider variety of stems available for threadless.

Why change? Are you having fit issues?

Why change? Are you having fit issues?

Maybe, I often suffer from fit anxiety syndrome, see (different bike):

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=531044&highlight=anxiety+syndrome

"Maybe?" As in, you're not sure if you have fit problems? :twitchy:

I mean, if the stem is fully functional, I can't imagine any reason to change it unless a) the bike doesn't fit you properly and b) changing the stem will alleviate most or all of the fit issue.

Or to rely on the old saw: If it isn't broken, why fix it?

Jocularity aside, I want to experiment with a higher handlebar position. As it is now with the quill, I'm still a couple of inches below the saddle with no more adjustment left. This is all about me and my physical proportions, so "get a bike that fits" is not a valid response. I really don't want to mess with a long post quill. So, if I am going to raise the stem (and not mess with another quill), it would have to be with a threadless stem.

Thanks all

I really don't want to mess with a long post quill. So, if I am going to raise the stem (and not mess with another quill), it would have to be with a threadless stem.


Have you tried a Nitto Deluxe? It's longish, but not obscenely long (like it's cousin the Technomic).

I know you aren't huge on long quill stems, but it really is quite nice, the finish and quality are top notch, and it looks good. I have one on my bike (since I like to keep my bars with the saddle height).

In the long run I'm sure it's a) stronger b) better looking c) cheaper than the route you are thinking about going. If you do a little simple math about the length, since it will be coming closer as you move it higher, you should be fine (the first time). I went up about two inches, and ended up going from an 80 to 100mm. Superb fit.

Not that I have anything against threadless, but if I was going to make that move, I would go threadless front end, not an adapter.

Jocularity aside, I want to experiment with a higher handlebar position. As it is now with the quill, I'm still a couple of inches below the saddle with no more adjustment left. This is all about me and my physical proportions, so "get a bike that fits" is not a valid response. I really don't want to mess with a long post quill. So, if I am going to raise the stem (and not mess with another quill), it would have to be with a threadless stem.

Thanks all

Going to an adapter is a good way to get teh fitting flexibility you might need. Adapters come in short (Nitto) and long (Velo Orange), and there is the entire range of extension available, and you could fit a modern 31 mm bar, and you could get a stem with adjustable angle, such as a Specialized. Lots more to play with!

But if you can find a Nitto Technomic Deluxe that has the correct extension for you, that might be the best solution. They offer quill length about 4 to 5 cm taller than a standard-style stem like a Cinelli 1a or a Nitto Pearl.

All good thoughts. Thanks.

Unless you plan on switching out your fork and headset, sick with quill stems. If your frame is the right size, there's a quill stem out there that will get your bars where you need them to be. If your frame is the wrong size, the threadless adapter won't help.

The last thing you want is a threadless adapter with an adjustable threadless stem. It'll be an annoying flexy creaky mess.

Unless you plan on switching out your fork and headset, sick with quill stems. If your frame is the right size, there's a quill stem out there that will get your bars where you need them to be. If your frame is the wrong size, the threadless adapter won't help.

The last thing you want is a threadless adapter with an adjustable threadless stem. It'll be an annoying flexy creaky mess.

Is that because, unlike a threadless stem, with an adapter, you don't have the bolt and star nut to compress the stem into the unit?

Threadless adjustable stems tend to creak and flex even when attached directly to the fork. They're great for experimenting and figuring out where you want your bars but then it's best to replace them with a normal stem if possible. Then again, some people don't mind their bike creaking when they ride. It makes me crazy - especially when sitting in the saddle for 6 hours or more.

By adding an adapter, you're only adding another junction than might flex and creak on top of the adjustable stem (which definitely will creak). If you use the adapter with a non-adjustable threadless stem, you've effectively just created a bulky, awkward, quill stem.

I would try the Nitto Technomic if you need a taller quill stem. Nitto makes great stuff. I would only use a threadless adapter if I had a whole shelf full of threadless stems and wanted to save a few bucks on buying a quill stem.

Not worth wasting the money since the early models Incred-i-bels don't fit on the modern overside handlebars. You'd have to buy another incredi-bel!:rolleyes:

Threadless adjustable stems tend to creak and flex even when attached directly to the fork. They're great for experimenting and figuring out where you want your bars but then it's best to replace them with a normal stem if possible. Then again, some people don't mind their bike creaking when they ride. It makes me crazy - especially when sitting in the saddle for 6 hours or more.

By adding an adapter, you're only adding another junction than might flex and creak on top of the adjustable stem (which definitely will creak). If you use the adapter with a non-adjustable threadless stem, you've effectively just created a bulky, awkward, quill stem.

I would try the Nitto Technomic if you need a taller quill stem. Nitto makes great stuff. I would only use a threadless adapter if I had a whole shelf full of threadless stems and wanted to save a few bucks on buying a quill stem.

Try the Nitto Deluxe before the Technomic . . . I got mine here . . . http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3397&currency=USD
I got the Technomic originally but it bottomed out in the steerer tube and was inches too high. The Deluxe has a much nicer finish, and construction.