Replacing handlebars, how bout stem?
03-04-19, 10:20 AM
#1
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Replacing handlebars, how bout stem?
Hi-I finally decided to replace the stock handlebars that came with my new Giant TCR with Zipp SL70 aero bars. Question is should I replace the stem with a Zipp stem for max compatibility or is that a separate decision? Thanks for your advice in advance!
03-04-19, 10:28 AM
#2
I pedal in my sleep...
I had Zipp bars on my Propel with the Giant Contact stem and everything worked just fine. I guess it comes down to personal preference or if it ticks your OCD.
03-04-19, 10:31 AM
#3
I've made the exact change the OP is asking about(stock bars/stem to Zipp bars/stem), but only because I like the stem and bars to be from the same maker.
03-04-19, 11:12 AM
#4
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I'm a sucker for having everything match, so I did a Zipp Service Course SL stem with my Zipp Service Course carbon bars, even tho it was the same weight as my stock stem (the bars were 105g lighter). If my bike didn't have a proprietary aero seatpost, that would be Zipp too.
I like the SL-70 aero bars, those are def on my list, I'll probably do the Sprint SL stem with them when the time comes, and save my current stem/bars for another bike.
I like the SL-70 aero bars, those are def on my list, I'll probably do the Sprint SL stem with them when the time comes, and save my current stem/bars for another bike.
03-04-19, 11:16 AM
#5
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As long as they fit, one stem isn't more compatible than another. But a lot of people prefer them to match.
03-04-19, 03:07 PM
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03-05-19, 06:08 AM
#8
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I never saw the matching as terribly important, but I guess it may depend on how far up the bars you run the tape. I think eg. with the zipp design, all you'd see is a maybe a "PP" sticking out?
03-05-19, 06:18 AM
#9
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Use acetone to remove all the logo from your stem. It's the cheapest option for not having the look of a stem/handlebar combo from 2 different brand.
03-05-19, 10:18 PM
#10
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Does the TCR have an OD2 steer tube? My Defy does and that really limits finding a different stem as not many third party manufacturers are making them for the OD2.
Something for you to consider...
Something for you to consider...
03-05-19, 11:09 PM
#11
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I never saw any of the stuff matching (same brand) being important. Maybe I want an FSA seatpost (they have a rep for comfy), Enve bars, and a take off stem? The words won't match but they'll all be black, the post has some red but it's called in mud right now. I never saw the stem as being a stand out part, all you want from a stem is to not break, and they all do that.
03-06-19, 12:12 AM
#12
I never saw any of the stuff matching (same brand) being important. Maybe I want an FSA seatpost (they have a rep for comfy), Enve bars, and a take off stem? The words won't match but they'll all be black, the post has some red but it's called in mud right now. I never saw the stem as being a stand out part, all you want from a stem is to not break, and they all do that.
No big deal either way, but you have to understand why some want to match things up.
03-06-19, 02:12 AM
#13
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You do not need to change to a Zipp stem at all.
If you have the oversize steerer (OD2) which is 1.25" instead of the usual 1.125" the decision has been made for you anyway!
03-06-19, 07:19 AM
#14
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The Giant TCR Advanced PRO and the SL have the OD2 but the TCR Advanced have a standard size stem.
03-06-19, 07:41 AM
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Does this carry over to things like saddle and seatposts matching? Cranks and pedals?
03-06-19, 08:17 AM
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03-06-19, 08:45 AM
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I should have made it more clear that I was commenting on some of the replies here, not your original question.
Last edited by Kapusta; 03-06-19 at 08:59 AM.
03-06-19, 09:00 AM
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03-06-19, 09:43 AM
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