ersatz radio

I have a cinelli quill stem on my bike and i can't get it to go any lower than about an inch above the headset. Is there anything I can do to get it lower, or am I stuck with buying a new stem? I'm assuming that it won't go any lower due to the butted steerer tube.

schang

Nope, you need a new stem if you really want it to go that low.

TallRider

You can get some "negative rise" quill stems, but they're hard to find these days. Although, the curve of the stem at its "elbow" makes some stems easier to lower than others. The cinelli XA stem, for example, widens and drops after the elbow, so should do what you want it to do.

Alternately, you could go for a longer stem, if you cant get your bars as low as you'd like. This will have nearly the same effect on your riding position as lower bars, although it might be less than ideal. (I'm the reverse, I ride bikes that are usually too small, b/c I'm 6'5" and so I have my handlebars low to compensate for the top tube not being long enough for me.)
I don't use that Cinelli XA stem anymore, if you're interested in buying it, PM me. It fits a 26.4 handlebar clamp though, so probably isn't what would work for you.