Sunset to a Frozen Stem
03-02-21 | 01:23 AM
#3
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,831
Likes: 1,809
From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
I have found that a heat cycle using a propane torch greatly reduces the torque needed to twist out a frozen stem.
Unlike a seatpost, heating a stem won't damage any paint.
The stem quill expands lengthwise, which breaks the bond along much of it's length, allowing easy removal after the stem has cooled.
I've even been able to save the stem since the heating is relatively modest compared to the temperatures needed to damage an aluminum stem's structure.
Unlike a seatpost, heating a stem won't damage any paint.
The stem quill expands lengthwise, which breaks the bond along much of it's length, allowing easy removal after the stem has cooled.
I've even been able to save the stem since the heating is relatively modest compared to the temperatures needed to damage an aluminum stem's structure.
03-02-21 | 01:46 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 245
Likes: 46
From: Santa Barbara, California
Bikes: 2018 Trek Domane SL5; 1965 Peugeot PX10; 1974 Peugeot PX10E
Several years ago I ruined a Peugeot Super Competition Frame trying to remove a frozen seat post with a sawzall. Marked that "technique" off the list.
03-02-21 | 10:07 PM
#11
Phyllo-buster
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,276
Likes: 2,698
From: Nova Scotia
Bikes: roadsters, club bikes, fixed and classic
03-03-21 | 11:13 AM
#13
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 245
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From: Santa Barbara, California
Bikes: 2018 Trek Domane SL5; 1965 Peugeot PX10; 1974 Peugeot PX10E
