Hello , I have noticed that expensive bikes never bring adjustable stems, only the cheaper models. Are adjustable stames actally a bad thing? does they intefiere in stability and handling somehow?

best regards

My hybrid has an adjustable stem. I have adjusted it precisely once; after I started riding a road bike and wanted to get the two rides a little bit more alike.

If you have a decent fit on the bike to start with, I can't see a reason for an adjustable stem.

I don't exactly call a $1000 Cannodale a cheaper model and I have an adjustable stem on mine. I'm sure the weight weenies would rather not have one, other than that I don't see a difference.

I don't think they affect handling significantly. Adjustable stems aren't as stiff, so the handlebar doesn't feel as solidly connected with the front wheel. They are also heavier and look clunkier. That's three things that are at odds with a high end bike.

In my opinon, there is nothing clunkier looking than the modern threadless stems that "expensive" bikes come with, and nothing sleeker than the old school 22.2mm solid stems. I have two adjustables on two different bikes. They were installed so I could define my setup, as a temporary measure. Eventually, I'll replace them with Nitto Technomic stems. I haven't noticed any handling issues. They are definitely not as ugly as typical threadless units because they are well sculpted. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

I have changed all three of my bikes over to Kalloy adjustable stems to
enable me to set the bars where "I" want/need them to be for really
comfortable fit & positions. I think they are money well spent.

Kinda makes you wonder why the seatpost is adjustable, eh? Yeah, with a quick release to boot!

It's adjustable so people can remove it when they lock their bike up so it doesn't get stolen.

Yeah, that's it, not stolen!

The seat tube ought to simply project past the top tube, and be cut to finished length, with seat attached directly to it. Voila, no seat post even needed!

I went with an adjustable stem when I changed to trekking bars for touring.

I have a Trek 7.3 and I Think the handdlebars is a little low for me, That,s why I,m interested in adjustable stems. Is problably a personal choice, but it came to my attention that comes very often with cheaper models.

The Jamis new allegro line is introducing a very interesting handlebar that you can set at desired height

TT and some road bikes already do this. If you want to call me a liar, i'd suggest you do it to my face.

All the adjustable stems I have had weigh heavier and loosen up eventually.
Riding a bike with a loose stem is about god awfully annoying.
Fixed stems work just fine and feel more stable to me. It's not like they cost quite a bit either way. That is unless you want a carbon fiber stem.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcm

In my opinon, there is nothing clunkier looking than the modern threadless stems that "expensive" bikes come with, and nothing sleeker than the old school 22.2mm solid stems.

Don't tell me; you're a UNIX user, right?

That's my experience. My 7.2FX came with an adjustable stem, and after a year of commuting, it would loosen up after less than a week. Tried grease, tried loctite, no better. Finally replaced it with a used Salsa. Loose handling just sucks.

Maybe it was just a bad model of stem. I notice that they now issue that bike with a fixed stem.

Majority of adjustable stems are garbage. There are some excellent ones out there though. I wouldn't mind having a Look Ergo. Too bad it's $200.

The "Kalloy" brand are a good alternative to the mega buck Look stems.

I think this is the best cheapie out there. It's lighter than your buddy's carbon fiber stem, has a four-bolt faceplate and it usually costs less than $30

That isn't adjustable is it? Well, besides flipping it over.

The adjustable stems are heavy (if that matters to you), and are probably not necessary for most folks. If you leave a spacer or two above the stem, you can raise the bars by either flipping the stem or swapping the spacers. That is generally plenty of adjustment- again assuming the steerer tube hasn't been cut too short to begin with. Personally, once I get my seat and handlebars where I like them, the last thing I want to do is "adjust" them.

I thought we were just discussing stems in general at this point.

Don't see anywhere I called ANYBODY a liar, but I will say plainly, the main reason seats (and stems) are adjustable, has NOTHING to do with keeping them from being stolen.

The only one who takes operator seriously is operator. Can I suggest the the ignore function?