Removing drops without marring them
 

Thread title. I'm a huge rookie and the only times I've taken out drops they get huge gouges from me twisting them out. How do you get them out without making them ugly?

Hi. you just have to be very careful. make sure the clamp bolt is as loose as possible or even remove it. on some models of TTT and Modolo stems there was a small allen bolt to help open the clamp a bit more. if you need to take a big screwdrive and spread the clamp just a bit to get it over the center of the bars. after that it should slip off easily. usually a bit of scuffing in the curves is not a big deal as it it usually covered by tape.

I use a smaller screwdriver, inserted in the clamp ears after I remove the bolt. I insert it, twist is 1/4 turn to wedge the ears wider, then slowly work the stem off.

I use a large screwdriver to spread the stem, but I also add grease to help. I find removal while in the bike is easier than trying to remove loose.