I have an old rockhopper I just got on craigslist. I want to replace the stem and I have a question.

I was trying to post some pictures, but I get a message saying I am allowed to post a URL because I am new (?). So let me try my best to describe the stem. It's basically the old kind you see on 90's mountain bikes. Hopefully that is enough for you to know what I mean. And on the stem there is a hole where the from break cable passes through. I want to replace this stem... either the same kind or perhaps a stem adapter that will take a more modern stem, if I can do that.

I searched amazon for a similar stem (is there a better place to buy online?) but I can't seem to find any that have that break cable hole.

I was also thinking about getting a quill stem adapter and putting on a more modern stem, but then I wasn't sure if the front brake cable needs that hole that is on the current stem. If I got a stem that doesn't have that hole, is there something else I need?

If my question doesn't make sense, please let me know.

Ok, so what is wrong with our current stem?

You can do the upgrades, but you'll be hemorrhaging money for marginal gains.

Brakes may be somewhat interchangeable (although it may be best to match with levers).
Cantilevers with a center pull cable (often shorter pull)
V-Brakes, long upright arms, noodle, and the brake cable housing terminates at the brake noodle (generally longer pull)

I'm assuming you have a threaded headset with a locknut on top, and the "quill" stem goes down inside of the steer tube. Be careful there are a couple of sizes of these, based on the steer tube size. 1" is common for older road bikes. Older MTBs can have either 1" or 1 1/8"

There is a Problem Solvers cable stop that you may be able to put into your headset if you wish to change stems, and keep the canti brakes.
Some people have also drilled stems to make a custom cable stop.

There are quill to threadless stem adapters that you can use. Keep in mind sizes.

Also the clamp size at the bars has increased somewhat over time, so you could be obsolete there.

Anyway, there are a lot of issues, and potential solutions/changes, but make sure that is really what you want before going down that path.

hi! I have an old Rock Hopper also.
It sounds like your stem is your cable hanger for you cantilever brakes.
If you change the stem, you'll need to add a cable hanger (first pic). It's not a huge deal.
one of these: https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=56039
The top tube is really long on these bikes, then Specialized put on a flat long stem - just crazy.

I've already switched my RH to linear pull brakes & riser parts. 2nd pics blow.

PS - if you want the riser stem shown in the first pic - I am no longer using it. PM me or something and we'll work out how to get it to you. [MENTION=486697]RockyRacc00n[/MENTION]



hanger for canti-brakes


linear pull brakes - riser stem on a quill adapter with Jones riser bars

I want something angled more upwards and closer so that I am not bent over an reaching for the handles as much. The bike came with a flat handle bar. I changed it to a riser handle bar and it's better now. But still, I want the handle bar closer and wish the stem did't extend out as much.
I want to get the same kind of stem that's on the bike now. But one that doesn't extend out as much. I'm talking about the part that holds the handlebar. I want that part to be closer. And I want to get one that has the hole so that it matches the current set up, but can't seem to find one like that on Amazon.

Is there a better place to look? The stem size I need is 22.2mm.

I was thinking about an adapter to put on a more modern stem and for better adjustability, but what about the brake cable hole?


I have a new riser handle bar, 25.4mm.

see my pics for what an old RockHopper looks like after you hemorrhage money all over it!! HA!
sure would love to replace it with that new Jones Bike "budget" version.....

If you choose to add the hanger, and you're interested in the riser stem I pictured below, let me know. We'll work out a super deal.
I need to double check the clamp diameter, but it's for a 1 in quill stem. Lemme know!

I don't believe a 1 1/8 in quill stem was ever a thing. The 1 1/8in steer tubes were all threadless.
Pretty sure. 99.9%. - I did have a road bike that was 1 in threadless - so that's for sure a thing.

I
That's not correct. Some early MTB's did have 1-1/8" quill stems and matching threaded steerers and headsets. I had a 1992 Trek 7000 MTB that was equipped just that way, 1-1/8" threaded steerer, headset and matching quill stem.

Not sure what you mean by "picture below" I didnt see a picture in your post.

Question. Where can I find a stem like the one that is currently on my bike? Mine looks like yours in the first picture except with a hole in it. Do they not make those anymore?

Interesting! I did not know that - I've never seen one. And I thought I was a nexus point for obsolete bike parts!. Thank you for the info.

Got it. I see that specifies "built-in cable stop". (Had to edit out your Amazon link. Not sure why I am not able to post picture or have links in my post.)

Anyway from the picture in your suggested Amazon link, the part that holds the handle bar doesn't seem to protrude out as much as the stem that I have, which is good. It also looks to be angled more upwards. These are the qualities I am looking for. But are there specific measurements that measure these 2 things?

The only measurement I see says 1" (22.2mm) x 85mm.

22.2mm is the diameter of the part that goes into the frame. 88mm is probably the height. Anything to measure the angle and how far it goes out?

Ohhh, 88mm is the reach... Got it. I should measure the one that I currently have and see how it compares.

Another question. Is there any sense/value in going with a stem adapter that will allow me to use a more modern stem? I guess the value would be in easily switching out the stem to try various setups. But then I would need a cable hanger, correct? This is my first time tinkering with a bike setup and wondering how much headache it will be.

The rise of the stem is usually cited as the angle from the perpendicular to the steerer axis. The Origin8 Classique stem has a 30° angle and an 85mm extension Product Description | Origin8 . To see how stem extension and angle affect your actual reach on the bike, you can check out Habanero Bikes' handy stem chart and compare possible new stems' specs to measurements taken from your current stem.

Keep in mind that "horizontal" in the chart doesn't mean horizontal to the ground, but horizontal if the stem's quill was vertical. See the note in the graphic.

Thank you for confirming what I was thinking. Wanted to try the adapter out of curiosity, but I think going with the Origin8 stem with the cable stop makes more sense.

Thank you for that detailed chart. It gave me a good idea of what I can expect.



Question... I never attempted this kind of mod before. But looking at few videos out there, I think I can manage. I see one guy on Youtube (RJ Bike Guy) has a lot of good videos. He uses something called "marine grease" to lube all moving parts. So I was thinking of getting it on Amazon. Is this good grease to use? Not sure how specific you need to get on grease, but wanted to ask.