So here's my update on the Ritchie adjustable stem: I ordered the 105mm stem (the stock stem is 90mm) because I intended to raise the handlebars a lot, and I didn't want to shorten the reach between the seat and handlebars too much with the bend. I set the angle pretty steep - at least 45 degrees (the description says it can adjust +/- 55 degrees). This made the handlebar a little closer to the seat than the stock setup, but at least an inch and a half taller, and it works great. I have put about 30 miles on the new setup, with about 10 miles of that on bumpy gravel or packed dirt with exposed roots, and this thing is rock solid. I am only now getting back into bike riding after about a 35 year hiatus, so I am far from hard core, but I am pretty heavy-set and can stress out a bike, so I figure the rough roads and bumps were a pretty good test of the stem.

I think one critical key to success is that I also bought the "Venzo Bike Torque Wrench Allen Key tool socket set" (still too much of a newbie to be allowed to post links, but search for it on Amazon - it's about $50.) It is a really nice torque wrench set, and easy to set the torque setting, and the "click" is impossible to miss. All of the bolts had a torque setting printed next to them, so I followed it exactly when putting it back together and it does not squeak or move at all. I probably would have over-tightened everything if not for the torque wrench, and I figure I can use this for other accessories, so it was worth getting. As a bonus, a socket wrench is WAY faster than an allen key when loosening or tightening bolts.

So back to the stem - thanks again for the advice LesG and everyone! My shoulders feel SO much better riding more upright. I had to see it to understand what you were saying about how you basically have to take it almost apart to adjust the angle, but I think that makes the design much more sturdy, and it still only takes a few minutes to adjust it if needed. You just have to take your time and be careful tightening everything evenly. With the size of the teeth on the angle adjustment, it makes for a very solid joint with a lot of contact area between the two halves. Like you, I am pretty happy with how it turned out, and don't plan to buy a one piece - so far it's been great.

The only issue I have had is chasing perfect handlebar alignment now - at first the handlebars were skewed slightly to the right when I put it back together, then I adjusted it again and now it is just very slightly to the left - barely enough to tell, but if I pay attention I notice. I'm not OCD enough to keep tweaking it one half millimeter at a time to find dead straight... I think :-) If anyone has an easy way to align the handlebars, I'm open to suggestions. In the meantime, however, this setup has made the bike even better to ride. Thanks again for the help! This forum is awesome.