Bicycle Mechanics - Where do I Purchase OEM Cannondale Parts (aside from LBS)?

I am interested in purchasing a replacement CANNONDALE STEM for my bike.

I KNOW the LBS has these in stock, but I also know that I can typically get a much better deal via mailorder/internet IF I know exactly what I want.

I can't seem to find any etailer on the internet that offers such parts. I can't even find the info on the Cannondale web site!

Heeeeelllppppp !

Unless you find a Cannondale retailer who is allowed to sell online at a discount, you need to support your LBS. Some manufacturers set the rules for who can sell what, and how they can sell, etc. Is there anything so special about this stem that it has to say Cannondale on it?

Is there anything so special about this stem that it has to say Cannondale on it?No. But I wanted to also see all the different angles and lengths that are available. I figured I'd have enough to choose from if I just stick with the OEM, which is what is on there now. When I look at the different ones from other sellers (i.e. BikeNashbar, PerformanceBike), it is very confusing because they are differentiating between brands and quality. I really can't tell one from the other, but I do know that at least if I replace it with a Cannondale stem from the same "group", that it would at least be the same quality as what's on there now.

I just don't want to make any mistake and wind up putting a Ho-Chi-Ka-Doo-Bee brand stem on my bike and finding out next year that it's a piece of junk ! On the other side, I also don't want to spend TOO much on it and buy something that's meant for a speed racer.

I really just want "like" quality as what's on there now.

.......

When I was at my LBS last month, the fellow was giving me a short lesson on stems and happened to pull out one of those Cannondale adjustables. I thought that was really cool ! I just wonder how much they cost and what variations I might have to choose from (i.e. length).

The main reason for this is that I just moved over from a compact frame Cannondale to a (smaller) traditional frame. I want to keep the same seat height, but I just noticed that the stem/handlebars on my older bike was higher. The stem was also 110mm as opposed to the new 100mm. The angles were the same, though. So it looks like I lost about 2" in height, based upon my measurements.

Get something from your LBS. I would stay away from the adjustable ones because they are too heavy. The advantage of your LBS is that they can help you get your position back the way it was, and will probably let you swap out a couple to get the fit right.

Okay...I'll go that route !

I have a couple unused Cannondale 1" quill road stems. Black, one 90mm, the other 110mm. Both -17degree angles. If you're interested, drop me a line.

I believe I need 1 1/8" unthreaded.

Steve, it look like you answered your won question about the LBS in your second post. You can't look and try several different stems through mail order/internet catologe. Plus, the LBS will (or should, if it's any good) install what they sell at the time of purchase.

Good point!