Dumb question - Do I need to remove handlebar tape to swap stems?
 

###Update - DISREGARED
Next time I will look more closely at the bike (I was going from faulty memory and a poor photo) before asking such a dumb question.

I am finally swapping out an adjustable stem (was a little long) with a shorter fixed length/pitch stem.
Is there a way to swap stems without having to remove the handlebar tape?
I wrapped the handlebar (nothing super pricey) only a couple months ago. (did the classic/std two loops around the brake hood)
Thanks

Depends on the stem. Some allow the bar to be removed with tape intact, others don't. A picture of what you have would help.

This was a pic I took to compare stems (120mm 6 vs the adjustable stem that was also ~120 in its current orientation)
Is it adequate to give an answer to my handlebar tape removal question?

Oh I should also re-ask for clarification, will I need to remove the brake hood?
And if so, could I leave the brake's "clamp ring" on the handlebar?
Thank you

Edit: Geez, I am just realizing it now as I look at the pic. It seems obvious that the stem I WANT to use I would certainly NOT have to remove the handlebar tape. However it looks as though I will HAVE to with the adjustable stem (I was hoping for some trick (and frankly prying that clamp open a little extra is tempting)

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/c...izeComp_01.jpg

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/c...izeComp_02.jpg

Hard to tell from the photo in any case (would need to see the lower part of the faceplate/clamp of the adjustable bar, but if it doesn't have a removeable faceplate then you have to strip at least one half of the bar clean to change the stem...

I must have been confusing this bike with an old 80's bike that had a quill stem.(I had taped that handlebar at the same time)
Yes the faceplate hasTWO bolts and I was able to remove it and swap stems in about 2 minutes.
My apology for the inquiry before I examined the stem.

Or just hacksaw the old stem off and trash it.

Not sure why quil stems even existed. Having 2 or 4 bolts securing bar to the seem with a faceplate isn't "high tech". I'd assume making/bending a quil stem was no simple task. Maybe quils look more elegant?

They are a hold-over from early bicycles with taller frames than we use today. Technically they are an anachronism, though they look a lot more elegant than most (not all) threadless stems.

Thanks, I learn something new everyday. Today was the definition of "anachronism", which is fitting for quil stems.