Need headset help
 

I'm rocking a 2009 Diamondback Kalamar. According to the website it has a 1-1/8 inch headset. I'm looking for a tall touring quill stem to replace the short stock one. What diameter stem do I need?

Thanks all, so much!

Quill stems are generally 1/8" smaller than the headset size they're meant to be used with, so a 1 1/8" threaded fork will need a 1" stem.

Oh beauty! Thanks for the assist!

While the quill diameter of a stem made to fit a 1-1/8" headset and fork is indeed 1" (25.4 mm) in diameter, it will be called a "1-1/8" quill stem" so that's what you should ask for at your bike shop.

If you ask for a 1" quill stem you will get one to fit a 1" steerer and headset and it will be too small with an actual diameter of 22.2 mm.

Bangin. thanks dude!

A 2009 isn't threadless? :wtf: the threaded 9/8 stuff was dropped a long time ago.
A threadless steerers OD is 1.125" that is what they were referring to.

But, threadless stems are not quill stems, not compatible.
threadless grips the outside of the steerer tube 2 bolts on the back.

you may have too short a threadless fork steerer ,
then a 'stem raiser ' is the part you seek, to add height
to accommodate what the hacksaw took away.

then you buy an up angled threadless stem to get the bar height you need.
It grips up on the top of your stem raiser.

according to the pic I googled, the 2009 kalamar has a threaded headset.

Threaded 9/8 Quill stuff is rare as hen's teeth, [X mart bike?]
if there is a threaded headset and it is a 9/8 size , the path of least resistance
is a quill to threadless adapter plug, then you can shop for abundant choices in threadless stems.

the adapters are made with 7/8 and 1" quill OD's thats the ID of the fork.

http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/hyb...ds/kalamar-09/
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...amar&Type=bike

This bike clearly has a threaded fork and a quill stem.

Yep, it's a threaded fork and headset. I looked up the Diamondback web site before I posted my answer and, sure enough, it's 1-1/8" threaded and uses a quill stem.

1 1/8 threaded is not 'rare'.

Plenty of low end hybrids/commuters are spec'ed with that.

Whatchoo callin "low end" sucka? Thanks for the help guys. Amazon.com has a 10 inch touring quill stem for like ten bucks. It says it's for 22.2mm quill. Will that fit? This stuff is confusing.

No, it's the wrong size. A 22.2 mm quill fits a 1" threaded steerer, you need a stem to fit a 1-1/8" steerer and the stem's outside diameter has to be 25.4 mm.

How much higher do you want your bars? There are 4 basic ways to go:

New stem - easiest swap to make.
There's the adjustable stem route - $30 and they'll get you pretty high, and you can adjust lower if you want in the future.
Here's a pretty tall 1 1/8" stem - $10.47 No faceplate, so you'll have to strip controls from one side of bars to swap stems.

New adapter + stem - offers more stem choices, fairly easy swap, but not as easy as stem alone.
Hey, whaddya know, I found an adapter - $16
Then get a 1 1/8" threadless stem with a clamp diameter of 25.4mm. $12-$100. There are many to choose from.

25.4" is becoming more rare by the day, so you may want to consider a 31.8 stem and 31.8 new handlebar as well - kinda crazy to spend like that on this bike, though.

New Bars - more work than a stem swap as you'll have to move grips and controls from one bar to another.
Maybe some 90mm riser bars would work? - $18
Maybe those aren't high enough? Go Wald 869 ape hangers - $15

Overkill - getting a new threadless fork and stem. too much expense compared to overall worth of bike, IMO.

Still I'd convert the kit with a threadless stem, thats where the options are in today's market ,
but You do what floats Your boat.

Unless you know where to get some 1 1/8" quill to 1 1/8" threadless adapters, a shim will be needed in addition to the adapter.
(I'm assuming you're talking about an adapter. Your wording's a bit vague, verging on the cryptic. ;) )

Hey, whaddya know, I found an adapter - $16
Then get a 1 1/8" threadless stem with a clamp diameter of 25.4mm. $12-$100.

Updating previous post with this new info.

What's up dudes? Thanks for the amazing feedback!

I made a pilgrimage to the three LBS's in my area just minutes before work today.

The guy at Bikes Unlimited told me that if the stem was too high, the tube would collapse on itself... mmhmmm I'm not taking this thing off any major jumps or anything....
The guy at Bike Beat was totally cool, but didn't have anything in stock.
The guy at Spoke 'N True was just as confused about the inner diameter as I was and thought there was only one size. BUT he had a stem riser that I can fit my original stem into. 15 bucks. Right up my alley. So I bought that and we'll see how that goes tomorrow. It seems like I'll need a really long allen wrench which I'm pretty sure I don't have. Will I need longer brake cables?

fanks all.

oh yeah. so at Bike Beat I happened to notice the price tags on some of these machines. holy cow. Five grand for a bike? I take it back, my junk IS low end. But at least it gets me to work...

So if I was to drop 5 grand on a sweet bike, would one pedal stroke make me go farther faster? I mean, obviously the bikes in the LBS are of way higher quality than the sporting goods store special I'm rocking, they are truly works of art. But my bike is totally utilitarian. Is it going to explode after a few years just because it only cost three hundred bucks?

Higher price bikes are lighter and the parts function with greater precision. They can be "faster" in that the same effort produces more speed but they don't substitute for fitness. Also, at the $5000 price point you are well above the minimum needed to get a truly good bike. It's like a Honda is WAY better than a Yugo but sells for a much higher price. However, the quality difference between a Honda and a Lexus is much smaller even though the price difference is substantial.

Your bike should give good service for your requirements and won't "explode" after a few years but if you get the chance to ride a higher quality bike you will see the differences.

Your bike is actually better equipped to handle abuse than a $5K road bike. However, it handles like a cow in the corners.

Okay cool. I'm a beefy guy, I like cows. Thanks for all your help guys. I installed the riser and some new brake pads this morning and whenever the second ice age ends I'll get on there and see how she handles. Thanks again for all your input!