Help! Is this right?
#1
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Help! Is this right?
Just got this Ritchey CR-MO stem from an eBay seller. (22.2, 25.4, 120mm) I've never seen a gaping hole on top of CR-MO stem like this, but is this normal? My Kalloy has longer binder bolt and alloy cap and I assumed this would be the same. Am I missing a dust cap?
#2
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Looks like it is missing a dust cap, possible it's supposed to be that way without a cap but I can't say for sure.
#4
Senior Member
Yep ... missing stopper. I've not seen this stem in the wild, but IMHO it cannot come nude from the factory. I've used Blu-Tac as a temporary fix.
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#5
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#7
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Thread Starter
"NL" appears to be a trademark
"CR-MO 22.2"
"95.C"
120L
The Ritchey markings are transparent stickers, including the "TR" on the face of the clamp. I hope the NL stands for Nitto...
#8
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This is why we hang out in CV, 3TTT only makes them with carbon now! Alright, who's hiding all those plugs? What's it look like so I know what I'm shooting for?
Last edited by Kanegon; 12-16-11 at 04:37 PM.
#9
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I had a Trek stem that looked exactly like that and had a rubber plug as the head of the bolt was really recessed into the stem.
#10
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Impossible to find, AFAICT.
These CR-MOs seem to have comparatively wide clamps. Anyone with experience threading drops or risers thru them, or are they for flats only? Thinking Nitto 259 to raise the grips another inch or so.
These CR-MOs seem to have comparatively wide clamps. Anyone with experience threading drops or risers thru them, or are they for flats only? Thinking Nitto 259 to raise the grips another inch or so.
#11
Senior Member
I had a Trek stem that looked exactly like that
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#12
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Thanks to everyone on the business with the plug. The seller sent me one and all is good. I also figured out hot to improv one from a plastic bar end plug that looks ok, but the factory one is definitely more pro looking.
One last stab at the question of whether you're supposed to be able to thread drops and risers through these types of stems. The clamp doesn't have as much a taper/cutout as forged AL stems and I'm wondering if I'll be able to maneuver it past the curves. I had a problem threading a 25.4 Bontrager Crow Bar into a forged stem, couldn't get it past the first hump despite the thinner 22.2 area (vs 25.4 clamp area). Maybe I'm not trying hard enough... eek. I'm looking at an inexpensive Uno with 30mm rise, nothing radical. Is this a fairly typical application or are there no hard and fast rules with respect to these cr-mo stems? I really prefer the clean and light design of the Ritchey to a threadless conversion or forged drop stems. Any advice before I pull the trigger on a riser bar with moderate curves?
Happy Holiday!
Here's the stem with the ersatz plug. The Cinelli sticker comes from the finishing tape packed with their handlebar tape.
One last stab at the question of whether you're supposed to be able to thread drops and risers through these types of stems. The clamp doesn't have as much a taper/cutout as forged AL stems and I'm wondering if I'll be able to maneuver it past the curves. I had a problem threading a 25.4 Bontrager Crow Bar into a forged stem, couldn't get it past the first hump despite the thinner 22.2 area (vs 25.4 clamp area). Maybe I'm not trying hard enough... eek. I'm looking at an inexpensive Uno with 30mm rise, nothing radical. Is this a fairly typical application or are there no hard and fast rules with respect to these cr-mo stems? I really prefer the clean and light design of the Ritchey to a threadless conversion or forged drop stems. Any advice before I pull the trigger on a riser bar with moderate curves?
Happy Holiday!
Here's the stem with the ersatz plug. The Cinelli sticker comes from the finishing tape packed with their handlebar tape.
Last edited by Kanegon; 12-26-11 at 04:26 PM.
#13
Decrepit Member
The Modolo stem on my Paramount has a sort of rubbery plastic dust cap over the bolt hole. I looks like this:
#14
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As a temporary (or even permanent) substitute, any decent hardware store will typically have a variety of vinyl, rubber and/or chrome snap-in plugs/caps, specifically tailored for access holes.
#15
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Ok, I've got the plug resolved. Anyone know if it's possible to thread a drop thru one of these TIG welded cr-mo stems? Like I said, the clamp is wider with less taper than that of forged stems. Not sure of they were designed for MTB flats or what.
#16
Senior Member
I can't answer you last question. But I will say that I use a similar bar on the CrMo stem (Modified Trek 930). It really suits and fits the bill on that bike — an excellent cockpit. A freind who is currently borrowing it says the same thing. One difference from you bar though — I cut a good chunk off each end. This made the bike a lot better handling in the chaotic Japanese rush hour traffic. Very fast steering, and I can squeeze past cars and the curb without snagging.
I think that plug looks great!
I think that plug looks great!
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#17
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Looking at your 1st photo, I don't believe you can fit a drop bar onto this stem.
#18
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I can't answer you last question. But I will say that I use a similar bar on the CrMo stem (Modified Trek 930). It really suits and fits the bill on that bike — an excellent cockpit. A freind who is currently borrowing it says the same thing. One difference from you bar though — I cut a good chunk off each end. This made the bike a lot better handling in the chaotic Japanese rush hour traffic. Very fast steering, and I can squeeze past cars and the curb without snagging.
I think that plug looks great!
I think that plug looks great!
#19
Senior Member
I got carried away and lopped the bar down to 48cm. I can't imagine having it any shorter.
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#20
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I never have had that Ritchey stem. But here is a similar style Profile stem with drops.
#21
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Actually, there was no problem threading a set of risers thru the clamp, in fact it was easier than my forged stems. I also got the real plug from the seller and it's as cute as a button. Here's what it looks like on my nearly complete Raleigh street rod conversion.
#22
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Whoa, nice floors!!! The chromed head tube is pretty cool too.
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Stick a wine bottle cork in there, draw a face on it. This way you have a riding buddy at all times.