I'm using n ITM a quill stem with a "clamshell" type hinged bar clamp in my present project bike:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44...R/DSC01992.jpg
Don't know what model ITM stem it is, but I think it's from the early 90's
The silver part has a hinge up front and you can remove the bar without taking the bar tape or brake levers off after removing the clamp retaining bolt (see the hole at the bottom?) from under the stem extension neck. Cinelli made a similar stem before ITM came up with this one, called the "Domino". They had a bit of trouble with those cracking though. Mavic made a two piece stem where half of the clamp slides off sidewards through a dovetail joint up front. Those also let you remove the bar without removing anything else from it.

Chombi

Here's what I would do for that incredible new frameset of yours.

I'd call or email Sacha White and ask him to build a matching stem.

His Vanilla stems are beyond gorgeous.

If he can't fit it in, surely Bilenky or Chris Bishop could arrange one for you.

In the meantime, I'd ride her with a Ritchey Classic.

I just can't see spending hundreds on a stem...maybe some day, but I think the Ritchey Classic and the Nitto UI 5GX look pretty good.

I was going to use the Paul touring cantis I've had waiting for a build, but now I'm thinking Paul moto-lites and paul cross levers.

How long a stem are you looking for?

90mm

I'm using a VO threadless stem on my most recent build. I don't know how well it comes across in these photos, but I think it looks fairly decent. I have to admit that if I had seen that Nitto Lugged stem first, I'd probably have given it serious thought.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6...c4dc9bcc_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6...1bff2b9f_z.jpg

Understood!

I'll be going through the same issue with my Sachs though.

I really will consider having one built from scratch.

Any of the Pauls are outstanding.

I have a set of Paul Touring cantis that are going on my Croll when I get around to it.

You have impeccable taste Mr. Mango! I can't wait to see your Sachs build...it just doesn't get any better.

Assuming my Huffy is still operational, I have a pair of Paul Motos for it and it's DYING for a headbadge!

You thought threadless forks were invented so it would be easier to change handlebars? Threadless steerers and headset systems are functionally superior to threaded.

There were some quill stems made with removable plates. eBay is the best place to find them.

To each his own but I think a nice threaded Campagnolo headset looks pretty dog gone good to me.

Of course they do.

He's looking at threadless stems though, as that's what his fork requires.

Speaking of headsets - I've never purchased a newer one. Chris Kings seem to have the best rep, but man - FUGLY! I've had some on bikes and they seemed fine...I only notice headsets when something is wrong. The campagnolo record headsets are cheaper and better looking. Is there a compelling reason for Ck?

No... The Cane Creeks and FSAs are fine as well.

Joel @ Via had a good idea, pre-decal Chris king.

Those are nice if you can find them...the subdued graphics ones aren't horrible either.

I concur with RFC, this forged 3ttt is well conceived. Reminds me of a Thomson. The clamp may not be the lightest design, but very clean lines. Too bad the sizes are limited.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/imgs...TFRGAHD_P4.jpg

^^^Given that clamp design, I would guess they are not designed/mean't for use on CF steerers.

For less than $20 you can get a kelly stem that looks at home on a 1in steel bike. I've seen people paint them to match the frame and they look great.

Here is mine (forgive the ugly spacers):
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...1-21131245.jpg

Tange also makes a great looking threadless stem:
http://assets.messe-fn.de/eb-wAssets...fotos/1090.jpg

Both of these are very nice choices as well.

I really like the painted Kelly idea.

Not digging the tange...if I go threadless, I want a faceplate.

threadless stems became the norm because of weight. threadless systems are just lighter and eventually became standard in cycling because of that. the same is true of what's happening with external bottom brackets and 2-piece cranks

When I had my custom made, I went threadless. I'll always regret it.

Huh. Never seen a threadless steerer. Never worked on anything newer than like 1988. Learn something new every day. Thanks.

Great looking build you have there!

Like the look of the stem as well.

Gee, problems we didn't know we had -- I can't remember ever having a threaded stem "function shortfall." Maybe I'm just lucky (never drank that Cinelli 1R kool-aid, though I have one in the parts stash).

Well, they certainly don't look lighter; but neither do frames with oversize tubing and "laundry-product-level advertising design on acid-trip" graphics, or outboard BBs, or 11-speed cassettes. They have the very basic problem that this thread's title nails: how bring one into your life and not feel that the world is somehow diminished for that.

I've always suspected that threadless stems really came about because it's convenient for manufacturers: one steerer tube length for all forks, field cut with simple tools, no machining threads, and ultimately cheaper stems. Then they sold it to consumers on the functionally superior and weight issues (with the added benefit of obsolescence-shame -- "your bike has a threaded steerer?; time for a new one).

But I'm so stupid and pig-headed about these things that I still can't imagine how one adjusts the bearings.