Missing wedge from bolt stem
 

I refurbished a tired, neglected and badly spray painted beach cruiser. When I removed the stem bolt so I could remove paint from the stem (horrors, I know!) the wedge must have fallen out (or maybe it didn't have one) because it is no where to be found. Anyway, if I buy an Origin8 Expander Bolt & Wedge, that will have everything I need to securely reattach the stem, yes? Thanks!

Did you look down the steerer tube? It's likely rusted in place. Getting a new expander won't help because the old one will still be in the way. Otherwise, as far as I know they all use the same threads, so a new wedge will work with your old bolt - or a new bolt of the same length.

Thanks - the wedge is definitely gone - I checked inside the frame. Ordered the new part - I'm hopeful it will work!

If actually gone , Bike Shops have old parts to cannibalize bits from.

but people like online full cost ordering, better, it seems ..

FYI, they come in different lengths and it must be correct.

I've seen different angle wedges, but as far as the bolt goes, as long as the bolt is long enough and doesn't interfere with the tire, you should be fine.

The bolts come in many different lengths and they are only threaded at the wedge end, not all the way up the shaft. Because of that, not all are interchangeable. One that won't interfere with the tire may still be too long to draw the wedge up high enough.

Short quill + long bolt = a no go.



https://static1.squarespace.com/stat...G?format=1000w

All good info - thank you! I measured the old bolt and ordered a bolt with wedge - I'll let you know when it is fixed! In the meantime I have been riding VERY carefully! Can't stay out of the saddle for long!