I have been making progress with the Land Shark Cyclocross. The DR's are now wired and I'm waiting for the brakes.

However, I'm going to do something I rarely do and ask this collective for style advice (not performance or comfort).

My problem is the stem. I used the existing stem because it is drilled as a cable hanger and because I want to use the Mavic headset, which doesnt's allow for a headset mounted cable hanger.

I can't decide whether it looks neo-retro quasi-vintage cyclocross chic or simply Freddish. I've never ridden a bike with a stem with this kind of rise, although the height (2" below the saddle) is not obnoxiously high.

My options, as I see it (please add more):

1) As is.
2) Low rise quill and try to shim a hanger to the base of the stem.
3) Threadless adapter and hanger (looks kind of bulky with this tube set).

Your opinions, constructive or otherwise, are appreciated, as well as your solutions.

Thanks

Option 2 seems the best of the choices IMHO.

Me thinks it wouldnt be too hard to make some sorta stem shim ala option #2. A thin but solid piece of steel drilled to have the clamp bolt pass through it in the gap and bent out and drilled for a brake cable adjuster to sit in. Whatever you do I agree that stems gotta go, just kills the whole look.

Also, arent them shifter cable housing running a bit long?

One of these perhaps?

https://www.velo-orange.com/psfrcaha.html

I would do option #1. That sort of stem doesn't seem too out of place on a cross bike to me. Option #2 would be okay as well as long as you can pull it off cleanly.


My guess is the OP is going to route them fully under the bar tape all the way to the stem clamp, in which case it looks about right. Otherwise, I'd agree with you...

#2

We use these: https://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi...id=94992858858

I know you said you wanted to use the Mavic headset, but this will work with a Shimano 600 or equivalent. I have an old MTB stem around here that routes through the stem otherwise. Anno black, so remove the black, you have silver. Worked great for my SS Miyata.

Looks like this guy's. https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eGu_eT2OhW...-h/bianchi.jpg

that will work but he needs the shim to go with it.
https://www.velo-orange.com/psfrcahash.html

RFC would you let me know if that stem goes in the trade thread?

Yeah unfortunately that stem is ugly as sin. I'd go with a cable hanger.

Thanks all. I decided to go the Velo Orange route.

Good thing, the bike was about to shoot itself.

Is the frame a tad small for you?

Had the same question. Didn't ask previously. Also, the Velo Orange hanger looks nice. Can't tell that though when the bike is covered in mud.

No, perfect cyclocross size for me. One size down from my road size. Road -- 55-56 ST, 55-56 TT. This is a 54 ST / 56 TT.

Now, we're not going to start that Old Duffer "I like bikes so big that they hit me in the pelvis so that I know I still have some feeling down there" discussion, are we?

+10, that is one ugly stem. Good decision to change it. Bike is too nice to have that ugly stem detract from it.

Thank you all. I feel affirmation and vindication.

BTW, what is the purpose of the noodle?

I think it's there as an option to guide the cable more smoothly into the cable stop hanger to prevent binding in low clearance situations.

+1 on the stem change. For a moment, I feared for that bike's aesthetic relevance.