highest that a quill stem can safely be in a threaded headset
12-05-14 | 09:02 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Ireland
highest that a quill stem can safely be in a threaded headset
Hi all,
I am planning on raising the stem on my vintage ten speed racer to make for a more comfortable position . The stem has no mark on it that shows the max height it can safely be raise to . I have googled and have been told that 2 inches or 1.5 inches or as long as the expander is completely in the steerer . I was wondering what people with experience think ? as I don't want to cycle with the fear of the stem snapping off mid ride .
Thanks in advance
I am planning on raising the stem on my vintage ten speed racer to make for a more comfortable position . The stem has no mark on it that shows the max height it can safely be raise to . I have googled and have been told that 2 inches or 1.5 inches or as long as the expander is completely in the steerer . I was wondering what people with experience think ? as I don't want to cycle with the fear of the stem snapping off mid ride .
Thanks in advance
12-05-14 | 10:54 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,327
Likes: 1,110
From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
12-05-14 | 12:42 PM
#7
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,861
Likes: 41
From: Coeur d' Alene
Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors
12-05-14 | 01:55 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 4
From: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
i just passed by a Sports Basement store near me, outside, alongside the display of a Cannondale cross bike, i saw an employee's hybrid with a quill stem. it had about 4-5 inches of stem showing above the top of the headtube and after a 45 degree bend, it had another 4-5 inches to the handlebar clamp. i often pass by the Rivendell store and some of their bikes have even more stem showing.
in reality, there can be no useful rule of thumb, IMO. there are just too many variables.
on the stem itself: overall length, percentage of overall length in the headtube, angle of bend, clamp type, material, diameter, anchoring mechanism, percentage of clamping portion to insertion portion...
other non-stem factors: weight of rider, type of terrain, riding technique, average speed...
in reality, there can be no useful rule of thumb, IMO. there are just too many variables.
on the stem itself: overall length, percentage of overall length in the headtube, angle of bend, clamp type, material, diameter, anchoring mechanism, percentage of clamping portion to insertion portion...
other non-stem factors: weight of rider, type of terrain, riding technique, average speed...
12-05-14 | 02:37 PM
#9
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
Stem forward reach should be considered, NOT just height.
12-05-14 | 05:26 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 19,354
Likes: 5,472
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Any one remember the late 1970s bikes that when in the smallest size had such a short unbutted section of the steerer that the stem, when inserted as far as it could, still was higher then the min insertion warning mark? Andy.
12-05-14 | 05:28 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,646
Likes: 2
From: Salinas , Ca.
Bikes: Bike Nashbar AL-1 ,Raligh M50 , Schwinn Traveler , and others
