Has anyone ever used one? Pros Cons?

yes.

pro: can use any of the millions of threadless stems, can use 31.8 bars if you want, on an old bike without swapping the fork/headset

con: most tend to look ugly and disproportionate

I have and I like them. You can swap stems of different lengths, rise angles, clamp diameters, etc. I found that it really helped me dial in a perfect fit for an older bike. Not to mention, it was also a cheaper solution to buying a nicer quill stem. I don't really see any downsides, but I am sure some people take issue with them. It's worth a shot, as far as I'm concerned. Hope that helps.

Many times. Technically, an improvement over quills. Aesthetically depends on the bike and setup.

Pro on my bike, just not all of them. Got one sitting on a hybrid that I am" crossing" and wanted to try some gary OS bars on.

Aesthetics be damned, I prefer them.

Could you guys post some pics for me to see please?

I'm using one on this bike, because I didn't want to pay to have anymore quill stems turned down to 21.1mm when I changed bars. So, I had my machine shop turn down this adapter from VO. I tapped it for a bell and gave it a quick polish to blend in with the chrome. The combination of the adapter and threadless stem made the cockpit much stiffer in (for me) a good way. I ride tall frames and mushy front ends are all too common.

I like the concept and flexibility for changing out bars but I replaced this one on my Trek because I just didn't like the look on the vintage bike.

+1
Cannondales and other large-tube frames, no problem. A newcomer just posted this:



They look better lowered down or spaced between the headset and stem.
On fine tubed classics, maybe not so much.

I want a compass like that, but I've heard steel frames can interfere with their readings. Have you had any problems, and if not, where can I get one? The one you have looks really cool. I love the way you mounted that bell, too.

I'd prefer a quill stem, but Schwinn compatible quill stems are a pain in the neck to find. I'd rather ride an ugly bike than dust a pretty one.

+1. Got your back.

I have a few in use and I agree they are great for being able to easily change a stem for ergonomics but yes they can be unsightly.






If your looking for height and know about where you want to be, a Hybrid stem like this Kalloy is a option.

Too many variables to state with generality. Some quills are really pretty, and few are phugly (Profile Design's H20 comes to mind, but it serves a purpose) I'd say, "fit is it," and then you look for what you need. I'm absolutely certain once I had a cervical fusion or lower back problems, I'd feel completely different about adjustable stems, adapters, etc. That being said, there are some bikes for which the idea of an adapter never breaks into my consciousness. If it's the difference between riding and not riding, though, I take the ride.

Quill adapter probably looks better on this one:


This is a quill stem. Some of them can fool you.

Really nice, Justin! I'm thinking of doing that on my Terraferma, but, what is that stem?

Need a magnetically-shielded stem .... ...!

I'm pretty sure that stem is Nitto made. It's half lugged and half fillet brazed.

I just needed something to fill the void between the top of the adapter and the stem so I thought about what I might find that was 1 1/8" in diameter. I found some compasses for pennies on Amazon. PM me your address and I'll send you one. I don't really know if the bike interferes with the stem. I suspect it's not very reliable as it doesn't sit level, but it doesn't really concern me as I either know where I'm going or I don't want to know.

Wow! Thanks!