Originally Posted by
Miele Man
I can imagine the consequences if that stem has come loose SUDDENLY whilst the bicycle was at speed or in traffic. Riding with an unsecured stem is risky - very risky in my opinion and i'd never try it.
Yes, it's a bad idea. I didn't realize it wasn't tight. I wonder if it would still work nearly as well with the bolt tight. You could try replicating this in the garage, but it would take a really long time to apply as many soft blows as it would get in a mile of riding.
What I'm suggesting, and I realize it's kind of a desperate measure, is penetrating oil, ride, repeat. But as you say, definitely with the stem secured beyond just the corrosive binding.