I'm researching my next build (a dedicated road/fast/race bike, but not ultra modern), and I've decided to use a classic quill stem. It appears as if Nitto is the only game in town these days. Those with experience, would you suggest the Pearl or Technomic stem?

Any other suggestions out there?

Thanks in advance.

If you want new then yes, Nitto is probably the best choice. How old of a bike is this? Got pictures?

My first thought would be SR, or Cinelli. Shimano Dura-Ace or 600 from the mid-80's is Expensive but some of the best looking stuff around IMO.

Depends on how high you need your bars. The pearl gets mine high enough for me. If you have a small frame the technomic may bottom out, and you may not be able to get your bars low enough. NOS Cinelli stems are still obtainable on the bay also.

Thanks for the replies. The bike actually hasn't even been built yet (I'm talking the frame too), but it's going to be a classic lugged steel (Waterford). I've only ridden a clamp-on stem to this point. I know I don't want a super-high stem, but I also don't want something that belongs only on an indoor track bike.

Well since the bike is being built for you, you probably should talk to the frame builder and see what they suggest for a Stem length.

Also being that this frame is (ideally) going to fit you perfectly, there shouldn't really be a need for a Tall stem like a Nitto Technomic.

Standard Nitto Pearl or Technomic are hard to argue with. Some of the SR/Sakae stuff can be nice too properly cleaned and polished

Quality-wise....it's a stem...an SR will work as well as a Nitto, just wouldn't have that little Nitto panto on the side for the bling factor. I vote SR/Sakae, cleaned and polished and use the $$$ savings somewhere else on the bike.

Plus look how awesome SR bars look with a top-end SR stem

After running a Nitto Technomic, then a V-O threadless adapter and stem on my Waterford RS-22, I finally settled on a 3T Pro Chrome TIG welded stem made from Columbus Thron tubing. There are several N.O.S. Pro Chrome stems on eBay from seller bicyclists_retreat with BIN prices from $40 to $90 depending on size.

I always enjoy pics of your 953!

I came across some NOS 3ttt "Casati" stems. Are they anything special?

Nitto Technomic is a no brainer. Especially at $38.




But so is the Pearl. $42. Can't beat 'em.



Looks, function, price. They put all the pieces together.

I'm using a Technomic on my Bruce Gordon, and so far, so good. If you'd like a little more upright position, this is the one.

They are if you have a Casati.

....and yes, I have a Casati Gold Line S that I am fond of.

Just be careful you do not end up buying a classic "death stem" from the "Bay". as I had seen some in there for sale with sellers notices that kinda warns you about them with an "at your own risk" added on to it.
Notably, were some old French stems and certain Modolo models that tended to crack at the handlebar clamp area. I think Sheldon Brown lists the scary French stuff on his site, while Googling "Modolo stem cracking" might bring up the others
Other stems might sometimes be up to the needed clamping ability to keep handlebars securely in place because of their design. It is a good idea to keep to the simplest handlebar clamp design to avoid headaches, so, somethng like a Nitto Pearl or Cinelli 1A stem is always a safe bet! Have a 110mm Cinelli 1A on my Peugeot PSV since I got it in 1984, and I had never had any problems with it, plus like most Cinelly stem products, it has a fine finish that lasts and lasts.

Chombi

I see a few Modolos on sale now on ebay. Following google for Modolo stem cracking, I note several unanswered posts such as:

I think the X-tenos may have been a bad design. But how do
you explain all of the other stems with the split in the
same area: Deda Murex, TTT 84, TTT Motus, Cinelli Grammo,
Performance Forte Classic and so on? Are they all accidents
waiting to happen?

Cinelli XAs appear to be a similar design as well. Are all of these problematic, or is it only Modolo? I have an XERAS or XTENOS on my bike (bars/stem bought in late '80s) and have never had problems with them, but am monitoring the stem for cracks. I'll keep an eye out for a Cinelli to replace it, 90mm.

I like these myself. They're made by Nitto. Rivendell sells them for $215.

I like those, too.

The quality of the Pearl is unsurpassed. And there is a version that has a long extension, if you need it. Here's my "regular" Pearl with Nitto Dream Bars. I think the classic forged stems just look right.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

The "Technomic" is a special-purpose stem, intended to provide greater height than a standard stem would allow. If you don't need the extra height, stay with the Pearl stem.

Hmm, let's start with the important things:

1-Fit. Ask the builder what size you will need.

2-Hand size. Some bars are skinny, some fat. What do you prefer?

3-Shifters/Levers. Are you routing both cables, or just the brake cables, along the bar? You may/may not want grooves front/back.

4-Riding position. Do you ride the hoods? Drops?

Why are these important for a stem? Because the stem holds the bars.

You could be limited in stem choice by the bars you choose.
Bar reach, drop, diameter, these are all things you need to get right.
Then pick a stem to hold the bar that's right for you.

Start with your hands, riding position, and work backwards.

I've yet to see too many riders holding onto the stem while they ride.

Origin 8, J&B's house brand makes threaded Nitto Dynamic style stems, 6061 aluminum, nice subtle laser etched logo and available in many sizes. I'm probably gonna go with those the next time I swap out a stem, massively cheaper than Nitto and look just as nice!