1jacktripper

So last Friday I was commuting home, and I noticed a squeaky creaky sound coming from my front cockpit (that sounds so wrong) every time I stood up to pedal (yeah, I know, it's a flattish commute, but I still get off my saddle occassionally to 1) mimic the pros, 2) make the lights, and 3) air out). I rode past home and directly into the local shop to see if they could figure out where the sound came from. It turned out there's a horizontal crack on my stem, right outside of where the bolts/screws are tightened onto the steerer fork. The diagnosis was that someone at some point must have tightened the two bolts with uneven pressure, and thus causing the fracturing of the stem.

Long story short, I bought a Ritchey WCS 4-axis (not carbon) for $99.99. Today, I finally had a chance to look at how much I could have saved if I had come home to shop online, and, more importantly, to be able to make a decision amongst lotta cool looking stems out there online, instead of making my hasty decision at the shop then to ask them to replace the stem on-site. To my dismay (as is consistent with the title of this thread), I find that I could have bought this same stem for approx. $59.99.

I know, I do believe in supporting my LBS, etc.. But, I can't decide if I'm more uneasy about the $40 mark-up, or am I kicking myself more for losing the chance to "upgrade", which I haven't done in 3 years. I know, it won't help me become a fitter cyclist, but, but....[cue Pepe Le Pew voice] "bike lust, it is irrational, no"?

Anyway, other than venting, I need my NorCal therapy: please tell me that this below is too much bling:


Please tell me this, which is what I currently have on, will make me grow chest hair and ride like a real man:


Finally, what's everyone doing this weekend?

Bostic

I have a WCS alloy stem on my Pedal Force RS. Even when going from a 10 to 11cm I stuck with a WCS.

Doohickie

You passed up a chance for bling? You fool!!!

cccorlew

Jeeezzz. Everyone knows the stem is by far the most crucial component on a bicycle. It's makes the most difference in weight, looks, ride, bling, enjoyment and is the one, single thing that defines you as a cyclist. No amount of money is too much, no travel to far, in searching out the proper stem. Wheels? Ha! Cranksets or derailleurs? No way. It's the stem. You should get both. Just to be safe.

mayukawa

Yeah, but if the stem actually breaks off on your way back from the LBS to your home...you might think differently about that $40 difference?

1jacktripper

Thanks, Ramon.

And for the rest of you who obviously don't share my pain, I will not invite you to my next group hug.

kb5ql

Always buy the stem with the fewest number of bolts. That way when you're packing your folder in a suitcase... wait, what were you talking about?

1jacktripper

et tu, miguel?

Wanderer

Actually, the Ritchey stem looks much more manly than the other girlie one.....

taxi777

I gotta get the white one for my KHS!

I thought the Dimension adjustable looked pretty cool , till Bossman said it looked like Sh**t...we were in front of ladies too... : (
Cut my N**'s off why donch ya

Price point...never go cheap with your health and safety!

1jacktripper

Thanks, Wanderer. I need to hear that more so my remorse would seep away. I guess I'm just insecure in that way.

Arrgghhh...no, don't vote for the white one. You're supposed to tell me that the white one is the crap! Now my remorse-meter is going up again!

Dchiefransom

There's not a $40 difference in price. I've looked up stuff on the internet before and found out that I would pay tax plus $14.95 for the lowest cost shipping.

reidconti

Priority list:

1. Bling
2. Support LBS
3. Function
4. Low price

uspspro

If you want white, this one looks great:

Wanderer

Don't listen to those other "guys."

They probably shave their legs.

The manly one is the best!

jeph

Yeah, But the stem is a freudian extention, sorta like a corvette hood, it sticks out in front, same thing here.

J

x136 

Ritchey makes fine stuff. You done good, despite the higher price. Besides, in a year, is that $40 even going to register?

That said, what's with the current trend of stems having a face that's a different color than the body? As if it's not hard enough to match things up as it is...

kb5ql

Don't talk to me about stems. I have a Nashbar adjustable on the Carbon bike. The rest are castoffs from the LBS. I don't think any of mine are under 250g. With compact geometries and my preference for a more relaxed position, I always end up with some crazy degree anyways (think "morning wood").

reidconti

True. I know a guy who died mountain biking. On his descent, his stem or handlebars (can't remember) snapped, and he went headfirst into a rock... no bueno.

Uhoh. I think the hood is more than half the length of my car

Tapeworm21

Silver Thomson stem. They make a fine, fine product.

They haven't quite hit the "Hipster" market yet with different colors like they SHOULD, but silver is kinda close, right? I'm not calling you a hipster btw. Hipsters love to sacrifice quality with color, you obviously want both.

taxi777

That's funny...all my bikes have big long black stems!

BlastRadius

Personally, I wouldn't use a carbon stem. The WCS stems are solid. Was it $99 installed? If so, then you did fine.

Bostic

That wet white Ritchey stem looks like someone slopped a normal stem with liquid paper correction fluid.

1jacktripper

Very true. I didn't think about that one. Thanks much!

1jacktripper

I came up with that difference after taking into account the sales taxes added to the LBS purchase and also the shipping included from the internet purchase (ebay, etc.). Maybe $40 is too aggressive, but I think $35 is in the ball park. Not a small amount, but...