Experience with Cinelli Frog Stem?
 

I know this may not be the right place to post this, but you all probably have a better idea than others.
I'm doing a re-build of an early 90s steel frame. I've gottent Ultegra 9 speed and Mavic Open Pros on Ultegra hubs (built by Wheelsmith). I think it's going to be a pretty comfortable ride. However I've gotten used to the Specialized S-Works carbon bars with their flat spot and unique shape. I'd really like to go this route with the re-build for comfort, but know I can't get the bars through the typical quill stem. So, have any of you had experience with the Cinelli Frog stem? I've only seen a photograph of one, and don't know much about them. My LBS mentioned it as a possibility.

Bump.

Can anybody help BSLeVan?

East Hill

I don't have one myself, but am looking for a reason to get one to try out, either on my bike or somebody else's. They seem to have a good reputation, and they LOOK like a well-thought-out design. Seems like it should do the job for you and your Specialized bars, long as they have a 26mm center section.

I have never used one, but from a picture it looks like a quill stem with a removable faceplate. It certainly looks like it will work if your bars are 26.0 and aren't the oversized 31.8 mm. This is one on ebay being sold by ital-techno.com. I have bought from them and would recommend them. You could call/email to ask any questions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-120mm-Cinell...QQcmdZViewItem

That same seller also has a number of 3TTT stems, in several models and lengths, that have a more classic look and a hinged faceplate that would maybe work for you. Unfortunately they are now BIN only; I got mine in an auction for significantly cheaper.

edit: many of them are up for auction as well.

I have had bad results with a hinged-front quill stem from another Italian maker (Modolo), so would not endorse that stem style. Maybe the 3TTT is better made, but I think their Modus stem (with 2 bolts underneath the plate) looks like a more secure design. This seller also has a hinged Cinelli that looks like it's made in the same factory as the hinged 3TTTs. Search this forum for a discussion of hinged front stems and maybe get some other opinions.