blendingnoise

I need to get a new threaded stem as the one I have is too low for me. Would I be better off getting a new stem or a stem raiser(if the make that even)? I would like the raiser as the bolt on the bottom that undoes the handlebar is stripped and won''t budge and I don't feel like going that route. It is for an old bike so the cheapest option is the one I want.

How would one go about finding out what size stem I would need. Where should I be looking for size markings?

sch

Sounds like the frame is too small for you. Referring to your picture, stems of that type come in variable lengths in the vertical direction measured from the center of the mounting bolt
to the rear edge of the bar. The horizontal length of the stems is relatively constant.
There are such things as riser stems where the part of the stem that goes from the
bolt to the bar rises up instead of being horizontal when on the bike. This general
type of stem is regarded as obsolete and a legacy item. Since it rarely fails you will
have to search around for such. Start with all your LBS in the area to see what they
have, preferably one that has been open more than 20yrs. Steve

SAB

Check out www.rivendellbicycles.com. They are a small shop specializing in classic custom steel frames and classic-style parts. They have many NOS (new, old stock) and newly-manufactured parts built to classic specifications. Look at stems in their on-line parts catalog - you will find something that works.

SAB

sydney

Pretty much all untrue. You just have to know where to look for stems with a long QUILL. They ae listed in the QBP which most LBS should have.

supcom

You will need to get a new stem. Nitto makes some beautiful long stems (their Technomic model) that will work for you. They are much longer than the typical stem. The trick is figuring out which size clamp to get. There are 25.4 and 26.0 mm clamp diameters. You need to measure the diameter of your bars where the stem clamps to see which you have. Old steel bars used 25.4 and new aluminum bars tend to use 26.0.

You'll also need to select the length of the extension leading to the clamp. This length is measured from the center of the the wedge bolt to the center of the handlebar clamp. The Technomic is available in a wide range of lengths.

You can order these stems from the Quality Biek Parts catalog through any LBS. On-line, the cheapest source I know is from www.aebike.com. $30.99 plus shipping.

AndrewP

For the bolt that is holding the bar to the stem, you will have to cut it with a hacksaw through the slot. then remove a brake lever and slide out the bar.

sydney

It's a quill adapter, not an extender,and the verticl adjusmtent is limited. The easy solution is a long quill stem.

blendingnoise

The frame is small for me but since it was pretty much a free bike I figured I could just spend some money on a longer seatpost and quill and use the bike as my beater until I run it into the ground. Right now I have the seatpost and handlebar post all the way up to the minumum insertion line. If I could just get another inch in the front it would fit me a whole lot better.

It fits fine now for stuff like downhill and such when I am in the drops but since I have a squashed vertebrae in my lower back (I fell 20feet onto concrete when I was 13) I think it would be better if I could raise the handlebars so I could move into somewhat of a less bent over position to stretch my back out for my daily riding to school and around town.

From the looks of it and your responses I think I will just search on ebay for a new quill and handlebar and pick that up soon.

blendingnoise

Another question I had was, are there any bicycle scrap places like the car yards where you can go to get an old door or hood or something from a broken down car. but for bike parts?

Also could anybody recomend a good lbs around philly for older bike parts?
I am in the university city area.

dafydd

Neighboorhood bike works AKA the bike church, in University City

supcom

Thrift stores are a good place, but you'll need to buy a whole bike. Some places sell bikes for $3 to $5 so even if you only need one part, it may still be a good deal.

Something to consider. If the frame is kind of small, and you want to replace the stem, think about getting one with a longer extension ans well as longer quill. As you raise the bars, they are going to move even closer to your body. If you get a longer extension it will help push the bars further away from you and relieve the cramped feeling.