Help needed for removing handlebar stem!
 

http://i49.tinypic.com/2lu8cvn.jpg
So I recently bought this Cannondale multisport 500, the original owner raised the stem way too high for my taste. As seen, I've already removed the screw at the top of the stem. But when i try to push down or pull up the stem, it won't budge. I think that black piece is an extender? I need help on removing that. I think it might be rusted on the inside but I'm not so sure. Anyone with any opinion, feel free to give me some heads up! Thanks.

Thread the bolt back in a bit. Give it a tap straight down. There's a wedge in the stem that can get stuck. This'll loosen it. If it still doesn't give, soak it with PB Blaster or WD-40 over night. The last step is to butt a piece of wood under the handlebar clamp and smack it with a hammer.

I believe this is a two step process. Do as Flying Merkel stated above to remove the stem then look down the extender and I believe you'll find another bolt that is holding the extender in place. Remove is in the same manner as the stem and you should be able to remove the extender.

+1. Something will come loose if you do this, although that black thing could well be an extender

I've tried to tap it straight down. Hmm, where exactly should i apply the WD-40? And yeah, the black thing seems like an extender. If I were to remove the stem, the extender will come out with it right?

Yes, the black sleeve seems to be some kind of extender. It probably has it's own expander so the sequence is to free the stem's wedge, by re-engaging the bolt, then using that to tap the wedge down then twisting out the stem. Oncethe setm is out, you'll probably (speculating) find a similar arrangement with an expander bolt way down inside, loosen and tap down to free the extender from the fork. (you'll need a long hex key of socket extender, but wait until you see what;s down there.

If it's stuck, use "kroil" or some other "seized bolt loosener oil" between the stem and sleeve, then again if needed between the sleeve and fork.

Alright i finally got it guys! thanks for the help! I just needed to pop the top screw real hard and it slide out easily. (:

http://i46.tinypic.com/4qg51i.jpg

This is how it looks now! Thanks a bunch guys, really appreciate the tips.

Bike photos should always be from the drive side.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...sesnewbars.jpg

Except his bike doesn't have a bad side. ;)

Lowering your bars has had the side effect of making your shift and brake cables too long. Your rear brake cable housing is clearly drooping down too far in the photo. You should consider shortening them for best braking and shifting performance.

Yeah i'm planning to do that soon!

Haha! thanks rogerstg.