Considering a titanium stem but I'm on the fence...anyone care to sway me?
07-27-10, 12:20 AM
#1
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Considering a titanium stem but I'm on the fence...anyone care to sway me?
The bike is titanium (Steve Potts), the components are cf (10 speed record) and the seatpost is Ti (Moots). The only problem is the freaking $20 ITM stem that sticks out like a sore thumb on an otherwise beautiful and well put together bike 
I would like to get a Moots stem, but I'm having a hard time justifying spending that kind of cash (still in college and not living in a cheap city) on aesthetics. This is where I might be swayed though...is there any real benefit to a ti stem over aluminum, other than the 40g or so weight savings?
For reference, I weigh 170 lbs. and while I ride frequently and plan to do some >100 mile rides on this bike in the near future, I'm not too hard on my bikes.
I would like to get a Moots stem, but I'm having a hard time justifying spending that kind of cash (still in college and not living in a cheap city) on aesthetics. This is where I might be swayed though...is there any real benefit to a ti stem over aluminum, other than the 40g or so weight savings?
For reference, I weigh 170 lbs. and while I ride frequently and plan to do some >100 mile rides on this bike in the near future, I'm not too hard on my bikes.
Last edited by 4Rings6Stars; 07-27-10 at 12:23 AM.
07-27-10, 12:59 AM
#2
fuggitivo solitario
The bike is titanium (Steve Potts), the components are cf (10 speed record) and the seatpost is Ti (Moots). The only problem is the freaking $20 ITM stem that sticks out like a sore thumb on an otherwise beautiful and well put together bike
I would like to get a Moots stem, but I'm having a hard time justifying spending that kind of cash (still in college and not living in a cheap city) on aesthetics. This is where I might be swayed though...is there any real benefit to a ti stem over aluminum, other than the 40g or so weight savings?
For reference, I weigh 170 lbs. and while I ride frequently and plan to do some >100 mile rides on this bike in the near future, I'm not too hard on my bikes.
I would like to get a Moots stem, but I'm having a hard time justifying spending that kind of cash (still in college and not living in a cheap city) on aesthetics. This is where I might be swayed though...is there any real benefit to a ti stem over aluminum, other than the 40g or so weight savings?
For reference, I weigh 170 lbs. and while I ride frequently and plan to do some >100 mile rides on this bike in the near future, I'm not too hard on my bikes.
07-27-10, 05:46 AM
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There are plenty of reasonably priced titanium stems on Ebay if the Moots is too rich for your blood.
07-27-10, 05:51 AM
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What type/colour are the bars? Personally I think stems go with bars and should match regardless of the frame material. Ti bikes look perfectly fine with black aluminium bars and stems.
07-27-10, 05:52 AM
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No benefit over an aluminum stem, other than the bling. It might be less stiff than a good aluminum one.
Carbon stems have no benefit over aluminum as well.
Carbon stems have no benefit over aluminum as well.
07-27-10, 05:59 AM
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as others have mentioned, there is no logical benefit. you can easily get an alu stem that is
cheaper
stiffer
lighter
than the Ti piece. that said, sounds like you have a great bike built up, and if its a Ti stem you need to "complete" it, you should just get it, especially if you will be unsatisfied without it.
cheaper
stiffer
lighter
than the Ti piece. that said, sounds like you have a great bike built up, and if its a Ti stem you need to "complete" it, you should just get it, especially if you will be unsatisfied without it.
07-27-10, 06:06 AM
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Quick test: Go into your bathroom and look at your toilet paper. Is it a roll of $20 bills? If so, buy the Ti stem.
07-27-10, 06:22 AM
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+1 for aluminum stem.
Unless you have money to burn.
Unless you have money to burn.
07-27-10, 06:31 AM
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I would suggest that you put a Thompson aluminum stem on that bike. Either silver or black. Much more reasonably priced, very stiff (much more so than other stems out there) and simple/elegant in shape.
07-27-10, 06:40 AM
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Most high end bike stores and mail order/om-line places like Excel and CC carry only Al and some CF stems. There's no advantage to a Ti stem. If you want the best go for Deda or FSA.
07-27-10, 06:42 AM
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I'd be among the chorus of laughers except that at one point I did what you are looking to do. For the record, I am now (on the same bike) using an aluminum stem that I like better. I also had a Ti seatpost but now I run a Thomson. I say, do what you like but you might find the results a bit less than spectacular, as I did.
07-27-10, 08:07 AM
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Thanks everybody for the insight. Sort of confirmed my initial thoughts... I could spend less money elsewhere (my cross bike for example) and get actual performance improvement.
I'll keep the stem in the back of my mind and if one pops up for a reasonable price I'll give it a try.
I'll keep the stem in the back of my mind and if one pops up for a reasonable price I'll give it a try.
07-28-10, 03:28 AM
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I tried ti stems, they are way too flexy! I found a steel stem with a ti finish and it is way stiff. save your money.
