quill stem
 

I have the opportunity to buy a used titanium quilled stem, zero-rise, $40. I have an old touring bike and I need a stem ASAP and orders for something new will come in too late for my needs.

What do you think? What should I beware of in a used quilled stem?

The alternative is a new quill-adapter + new-style stem.

My initial reaction is to the second option is that it's yet another piece/point of contact that could go-wrong (I'm going on a tour in Europe soon, don't need the extra problems). I've always had a quilled stem and it's worked perfectly well for many, many wonderful biking years (I need a new one because after a bike fit the original is too short). I talked extensively with a LBS, and after this discussion I now a bit more confident of this second option, but, relatively speaking I am still more comfortable with the titanium quill stem option.

What do you think...the quilled stem or the two-piece (adaptor + new style stem) option? And why, please. Titanium in a quilled, for $40, seems like a good idea all-around to me....

Thanks!

Hmm... why not just get a regular aluminum or steel quill stem? E.g. this one for $20, which has a pop-type design (makign it strong, and easy to swap out): http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...20Road%20Stems
Nashbar often has other quill stems for even cheaper. I don't know of any reason why titanium would make a particularly good stem, though I can't see any reason why it'd be bad either :)

Nitto makes brand new high quality AL quill style stems for about $35 to 45; any LBS can order one.

I agree, if I had the time, that the other options you list would be much more economical and probably just as good technically. But, I have only a couple days to do this, and, after paying for fast delivery, it would be just as cheap/cheaper to buy this one, with the extra-special-bonus of being able get on with finishing the rest of the work (taping, etc) and back on my bike faster than ordering one.

Well then, I don't see anything wrong with it! Another option is to post a craigslist ad saying that you urgently need a zero-rise quill stem of such-and-such length... in every decent-sized city there are dozens of bike dorks with basements full of parts who will come out of the woodwork and offer you a stem. I've done it many times, always with great success :)

Doh! Craigslist!!!!! FABULOUS idea!!! Thanks!

You're welcome! It sounds like you're going on a tour and need this stem for it? Good luck :)

Maybe in the states. The CL around here are ASS.

ASS = ?

Er... uh - hehe.

Ah, so you literally meant "ass" ... I thought that it might be some sarcastic but amusing acronym :rolleyes:

:)

If you already have the titanium quill stem, I would say go ahead and use it. If it works it'll be much more elegant than a quill adapter/riser ahead stem. You didn't say how many cm long or the rise you are after with your stem. Hopefully what you're after isn't disproportional or unsafe. I just purchased a Cinelli Grammo titanium stem for my old 26.4mm Cinelli road bars. Titanium is very light weight, but I guess if the stem you are talking about is by a reputable company you should be O.K. Another option I might mention is that Salsa is making their S.U.L. quill stem again. Salsa stems are steel and made in USA (at least the old ones were). Speedgoat is selling them at $45 in a variety of sizes. Here's a link: http://www.speedgoat.com/product.asp...=300&brand=216. Good luck.

If the stem has not been abused,is in good shape, and has the right dimensions, for $40, go for it.