Guys, guys, PLEASE, for the record : I was NOT (repeat NOT) judging any rider, only a bike (read the original post), merely pointing out the - to me - not very pleasing aspect of the bike's geometry. Come on, is it not possible to critisize a bike without threading on someone's toes??? It's very frustrating when a (not even serious - doesn't the title remind you of somebody?) thread goes somewhere so removed from your intention. Isn't the whole point of C&V to talk about what you like AND dislike about vintage bikes? IOW express a personal opinion about how a bike LOOKS, how it can be restored etc... And no, of course a giant stem will not ruin your bike, but IMHO it ruins its looks - am I allowed to say that? Same as someone is allowed in these same pages to say he doesn't like these wheels or that saddle or whatever?