Least Ugly Threadless Stems
 

I do have two bikes with threadless stems, but they came that way. I didn't chose them. I'll be doing my first threadless fork frame up build and I want something that looks as little repugnant as possib;e. I like the Nitto lugged threadless stem, but, as I see it, the main advantage of threadless stems is being able to remove the bars without tearing off the bar tape. The Nitto stem doesn't look like it has the removable face plate (though it's by far the most attractive). The Ritchey Classic looks like the best option (not saying much) http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ritchey-clas...olished_Silver, but I'm hoping some of you know about something better.

This was a real struggle for me. I went with a VO stem - probably not the best fit for the bike, but it was simple and does the job.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7...2b23ec451a.jpg

I ordered that Ritchey Classic stem the other day. I think threadless stems were made to look ok on modern bikes.

We have a winner!!! PERFECT! I don't know why VO didn't occur to me. The only problem is that the stems are all built for 1 and 1/8th, but I guess the shim they sell will fix that.

Unless you want your stem just above the steerer I'd consider the VO tall-stack. It's a good looking stem.

It seems like the ugly is endemic if you're trying to fit a bike with traditionally sized tubing. If you're using one of those quill-to-threadless adapters with a 1" steerer tube, then the threadless stem looks like this hulking monstrosity eating your otherwise elegant bike. Why can't they just make them out of proportionately sized tubing, like every other bike thing?

Cool. Yes, I use the shim and it works fine. I've been pleased with the stem, which was my first threadless.

That said, the VO tall stack is a pretty thing.

I really wish the Nitto stem came with a face plate...

Thre VO high stack is probably the direction I'm going, though I do like the Ritchey.

Origin 8 has another decent looking stem as well - put one on my current bike after trying to find one around 70mm with a decent rise.






http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=251001

the Cinelli Groove is good looking:

http://img.inkfrog.com/pix/coronadel...e_120mm_02.JPG

3TTT Mutant

http://www.fahrradteilediscount.de/i...bau-Mutant.jpg

Nitto lugged

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/40/822...d320cae2_o.jpg

I love the 3ttt Muntant - great choice! That's a contender. The Nitto doesn't have a face plate - otherwise I'd do it.

The Nitto UI stems have two bolt handlebar clamps. I believe they're available in both 1" and 1 1/8" sizes. I think the logos are easily removed as well.

I using a VO tall stack on my commuter bike, not the classic look that a quill has but for my build and intent purposes I like it.
http://cdn.velospace.org/files/MBrooks1.jpg

There are clearly better options than I knew about - I'm glad I asked.

Educate me. What advantages do threadeless stems provide other than maybe a stiffer feel, the convenience of a removable faceplate in most of them and maybe the additional bar height? Does it all add up to counteract the fugly syndrome with most of them? Doesn't some of the stuff I mentioned can be achieved with some threaded quill stems, like the ones with a two piece bar clamping system and longer stem necks?

Chombi

When I had my custom made, I went threaded. That is my preference and I don't think any threadless advantage compensates for the aesthetic. The frame I picked up is a beauty, and I'll deal with the thread less stem as best I can. I do like stems with face plates for utility, but the bolts are ugly.

The Nitto is, in my opinion, contrived and affected.

My favorite stem is the 3ttt Forge Ahead. I used one on my gravel grinder. In my opinion, elegant.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/...rge_ahead_stem

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...RPCanel34r.jpg

This Weigle bike has one of the nicest threadless stems I've seen. It's also one of the nicest bikes I've seen, period:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2794/5...4f99a182_b.jpg

Southpaw - I like it, or what I can see of it. Can you tell me what it is?

RF - not bad (and cheap). Diameter is a little problematic and I'd prefer a 1 inch.

I'm pretty sure he made it himself out of lightweight steel and had it plated... just like his racks. Here's a frontal shot of it:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5143/5...e0d2ca56_b.jpg

That is amazing - as nice as any quill stem. WOW.

Thanks a lot for showing me the most awesome stem ever, and it's hand made and unavailable ;)

Aaron... Many framebuilders make custom threadless stems.

Eric Estlund @ Winter Bikes comes to mind first, Dimitri @ Meech has made some as well.

The VO threadless stems are being phased out, I think, they said there wouldn't be any new orders last time I asked about a size being restocked. Having said that, they are just logo'd Taiwanese pieces (like all their stuff) and can be had from any QBP dealer as 'Dimension' or 'Civia' stems, and the Tall Stack is sold by other "brands" as well.

I'm going to definitely look into that route, but I also don't want to pay a fortune for something that is, fundamentally, a pretty basic part.

Beautiful, but functionally I don't get it. I thought the whole benefit of threadless is that you can swap bars without removing tape and brakes? I would think the opposite type of stem from this would be ideal - quill style with removeable plate for bar swappage. Who makes those?