Yeah, good point. The bike I pictured has had the tires replaced, half the cables, the shifters, the rear deraileur and the rims. Of all the old, garage sale bikes I've purchased (I'm up to about 35-40 now), this one has the most changes. Someone put some money into this bike. That usually happens to a bike that is being used. So, the stem has lasted however many miles occurred over its 35 year life span. Even if it is the dreaded death stem, this one seems to be holding up real well. I think I'll just leave it alone.