Manufacturers offered forged quill stems in a variety of different extension lengths, which is understandable, but aside from the track stem, did manufacturers offer anything more than the 72 degree stem? Or did they view the angle for road bikes as being "one size fits all"? The reason I ask is that I prefer the look of a stem that is parallel to the horizontal top tube; however, having a 74 degree head tube produces a downward facing stem that isn't as asthetically pleasing to me.

I was just curious..

https://www.bikeman.com/CC-67244.html

I have seen them. I don't mind the downward facing stem as long as I can get the height right for me.

Stems have been made in a variety of extension angles over the decades. The common road versions usually have a roughly 72/73* degree angle to have the extension somewhat level. "Track" stems were often a deeper angle to further drop the bars. Tri stems and ATB stems often had the angle going up more for a higher bar height.


Lastly is the custom one off stem of specific height, length and angle, sometimes with extra bits to fit bells or bags. I have made more stems recently then previously due to the decreasing availability of factory made ones in differing dimensions. Like this one for a tandem. Andy

That stem is awesome! You on the frame too?

Thanks, the frame is a CoMotion that I recently did some braze on reworking (along with the new stem) and had them repaint. They did a great paint job! Visit this thread in the tandem forum for more. https://www.bikeforums.net/tandem-cyc...-comotion.html Andy.

I should have known to drill down on the corner of the headbadge, just figured it was nice enough to be some of your work and ran with that.

Nitto Technomics look more horizontal with my 74deg HT frames than others like the ENE Gran Compe. Black Miyata and red Marinoni in this photo both have 74deg HT's, and the Technomic on the Miyata appears closer to horizontal compared to the Gran Compe ENE on the Marinoni in the middle. Marinoni has since received a Technomic, which does look horizontal now (no recent pics since that swap).

Now deep into my 60's I have moved all of my bars level with the brakes or brake/shifters up high and have found the downward angled quills to look disjointed so have been changing them out. This also reduces the saddle to bar drop which I now prefer.