Tandem Cycling - Still looking for an inexpensive non-adjustable stoker stem ...

... is that too much to ask for?

Saw these about a month ago on WebCyclery in Bend, OR (who appear not to be carrying them anymore or maybe out of stock):
http://www.echobike.com/images/SL/stem/SL-stem-forkclipper.jpg
Made by a company called Edge that makes Trial Bikes.

Right now we are using an Easton EA-50 140mm@6° stem.

Brightspoke has this online stem length calculator (http://www.brightspoke.com/t/bike-stem-calculator.html). Using the following input; 6° stem angle, 107° head tube angle, 140mm length the stem length calculates out to 137.4mm reach. I have verified the accuracy by measuring. Input the numbers for the Edge stems and I found these results; The 175mm stem effective reach is 170.5mm and the 185mm stem has a reach of 175.9mm when used as stoker stems.

Both of those are longer than I wanted to go, their next size down but me at exactly the same reach I already have. I don't mind going a bit on the long side but I am not sure how well these stems are made or work. I have tried to find a Deda Newton 31 in their 150mm 8° configuration but have so far been unsuccessful.

Is there anyone out there who has examined the Edge stems in person? Are there any alternatives in the 150-160mm range?

I was considering getting one of those because its a big weight savings, but the length wasn't quite right.
Hard to find anything between this and a standard 120mm stem.

Only works with 26mm bars... but we use one of these.

http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=details&PageID=30&SKU=SM7627

Is there anyone out there who has examined the Edge stems in person? Are there any alternatives in the 150-160mm range?


We examined one in person. As a matter of fact, we use it as a direct replacement of a Comotion adjustable stem. It's 250 grams and uses titanium bolts. Very well made.

inexpensive and non-adjustable sounds like Profile Design stems.

They are available with angles angles comparable to the usual stoker stems, lengths go up to 120mm (I think).

They would be perfect for all but the shortest stokers.

They are available with angles angles comparable to the usual stoker stems, lengths go up to 120mm (I think).

They would be perfect for all but the shortest stokers.

That in part depends on the length of the stoker's top tube.

On a lot of tandems, I think most stokers are going to need longer than 120mm stems. The stoker stem on our bike is 140mm , with a 5'8" stoker stretched out in a pretty low racing position.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/bobstewart/zipp3.jpg

That in part depends on the length of the stoker's top tube.

On a lot of tandems, I think most stokers are going to need longer than 120mm stems. The stoker stem on our bike is 140mm , with a 5'8" stoker stretched out in a pretty low racing position.



I've seen stokers using much longer than 120mm and they were set in a pretty aggressive position too -- but I agree 120 will be enough for most.
That being said, the most interesting thing is the angles in which Profile's stem are available : when the stoker is (almost) as tall as the captain, you often need his stem to go up -- this is not possible with most regular, good quality threadless stems. It's the case for us and Profile will be our choice to replace that bulky and heavy adjustable stem we currently use.

Here is what we have decided to do:


Replace the stoker bars with a Easton EC90 Equipé bar that my nephew has as a spare.

Lighter than the FSA bars and a nicer bend,
It is the same bar she uses on her single bike.


Swap stems for a Oval Concepts R700 150mm ± 6° stem (ordered from AEBike)

Moves the stoker bars exactly 10mm closer since the existing stem is also 6°