biochemkris

I have a '07 Specialized Allez set up with all the original equipment. It has a comp-set multiposition stem that I'd like to try out in another position. We live quite a ways from the bike shop so I'd prefer to do it myself but, I don't know anything at all about messing with stems (other than how to change the angle of the handlebars) and my husband hasn't dealt with threadless stems before. I do know that the 12 degree version (which is the one that came with the bike) is supposed to come with 4, 2, and 0 degree shims but, the shop didn't hand those to me when I bought the bike so I wasn't sure if they were somehow included in the stem itself or if the shop just sets it up to the default and you have to request the other shims if you want them? I am a bit confused and couldn't find any other helpful info on the web. I think it's currently set up at 8 degrees and I'd like to try it at 16. Can anyone help me out with how/if I can change the angle of this stem myself?

Longfemur

I'm a classic quill stem kind of guy, but I recently dealt with exactly the same thing on my daughter's new Specialized Dolce. I don't want to dissassemble her bike to refresh my memory, but all the different angles are already included in the original shim. I know 8 and 16 are for sure. You just get the different angles depending on how you position the shim. So you already have all you need. The only problem you can run into if you don't know what you're doing is how much preload to put on the top cap (just enough, lightly until there's no play in the fork, but too much can damage the bearings). Man, I sure prefer quill stems, though!

biochemkris

Oh, that's awesome. Thank you so much for sharing. My husband thought that might be the case (everything included depending on which way you turn the shim) but, like you said-I didn't want to take the whole thing apart only to find that wasn't the case.

Longfemur

You're welcome. Good luck with it.

aicabsolut

I have the stock shim (+/- 8 and 16) and 2 alternate ones (10, 12, 14). I've been tinkering with spacers, and so I thought that I may have to also tinker with the stem angle to get the right height between it and the spacers. My shop gave me a leaflet that comes with these stems that shows all the possible positions. I find it useful, because I start getting confused with having a couple angle options per orientation of the stem. I'd imagine there's some sort of tech sheet on their webpage about it. The hardest thing is making sure the bars are straight over the wheel and getting the headset tightened properly afterwards, but it's certainly something you can do yourself.

biochemkris

Thanks so much for the replies. I did look on Specialized site but, couldn't find any more information other than the general sales info on every other page I came across during my googling. However, I did manage to pop the stem off and reposition the shim, and get it back on (it wasn't nearly as difficult or scary to do as everyone makes it seem LOL). I'm just not sure it actually solved my problem (may have made it worse) so I might end up needing to go to another stem altogether instead.

BankBank

I am trying to flip this stem myself on an 08 specialized allez, but am running into a problem. The shim doesn't seem to move, and the top cap goes on the shim. It looks like the shim will have to be flipped upside down, but there is no give at all. Not sure what to try.

fordmanvt

The shim comes out of the stem, you just need to give it a good push.

As it comes stock there are only 4 choices: -16,-8, +8, +16. This is via two positions of the shim (keep the slot in line with the tire) and two via the stem (flipped or not).

I'm looking for the alternate "12" shim...

Road Fan

What's the name of this stem, and does any stem company make one like it? I want one.

I heard a while back that Profile used to make a stem like this, but I haven't seen it offered anywhere.

Road Fan

fordmanvt

Specialized

Comp-Set
or
Pro-Set
or
S-Works

dlarry

My shop gave me a leaflet that comes with these stems that shows all the possible positions.

I would love to see that leaflet. I had to expirement with this myself as my dealer was no help and specialized would only refer me back to them.

jsharr

https://cdn.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/...m_Indiv_r1.pdf

That link shows many of the angles.

dlarry

Thanks for the link. I was able to get mine where I wanted it, but I like to see the tech info too. It's funny that Specialized said they didn't have any printed info on this.