Handlebars and Stem Suggestions
06-09-14, 06:43 PM
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Handlebars and Stem Suggestions
Good evening everyone. I'm looking to change out my stem and handlebars and as with most things with cycling, there are soooo many options/choices. I'm looking for an affordable set up. Seems like I can get both the stem and handlebars for under $200.
The Thomson X4 Stem is looking pretty nice. Still haven't found handlebars. Basically I don't wanna break the bank and still have a comfortable setup even if it means heavier.
What are you currently using and like? Thanks!
The Thomson X4 Stem is looking pretty nice. Still haven't found handlebars. Basically I don't wanna break the bank and still have a comfortable setup even if it means heavier.
What are you currently using and like? Thanks!
zero 100 is around that price range.
06-09-14, 07:23 PM
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06-09-14, 07:35 PM
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Ten degrees is quite a bit of rise. I'd start with a six degree rise unless you specifically need something different. Six degrees is fairly flexible in terms of flipping combined with a few spacers on the steerer, for vertical bar positioning.
06-09-14, 07:57 PM
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Rotundo. I picked up a team (carbon) model, not the fakes from China, on eBay a few months ago and I love 'em.
06-09-14, 08:14 PM
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I'll throw my vote in for Ritchey combos, really nice stuff.
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06-09-14, 08:30 PM
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I'd go 3t Pro level. This is very inexpensive and come in the biggest variety of options of any bar stem combo.
I have a 140mm stem, which measures out 147mm with 38cm bars. I love how this setup feels compared to "correctly sized bars".
2014 Stem Review - Fair Wheel Bikes
How Stiff is that Carbon? Fairwheel Bikes Tests Road Handlebars
I'd look at these results as a point of reference.
I have a 140mm stem, which measures out 147mm with 38cm bars. I love how this setup feels compared to "correctly sized bars".
2014 Stem Review - Fair Wheel Bikes
How Stiff is that Carbon? Fairwheel Bikes Tests Road Handlebars
I'd look at these results as a point of reference.
Last edited by Zero Talent; 06-09-14 at 08:34 PM.
06-10-14, 05:13 AM
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Well OP, there you have it. Every single possible choice has either been recommended or will be within the next half hour. Is your task any easier now? Just so you can't say I haven't done my share, I like both FSA bars and stems. The OS-99 stems are light and well priced ($60 or so) on ebay. They are completely fungible. You can trade them back and forth to get the right size just like oil or pork bellies. 
The bars are nice too. Under $200 for the pair is no sweat.
The bars are nice too. Under $200 for the pair is no sweat.
06-10-14, 08:30 AM
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Williams aluminum stems and bars are pretty nice, lightweight and inexpensive. I happen to like the shape of their bars and put set and stem on my new $5k carbon frame. I needed a -17 degree stem and they have them.
06-10-14, 08:44 AM
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For me, it's 3T Ergosum Pro (Al) bars and 3T ARX Pro (Al) stems on all 5 of my racing bikes.
06-10-14, 08:52 AM
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Alloy Ritchey WCS on both my roadies.
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06-10-14, 08:53 AM
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The question is what are trying to accomplish. What is your existing setup, and what is that you don't like about it?
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06-10-14, 08:54 AM
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"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
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06-10-14, 12:11 PM
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Good question. Number one, the handlebars I currently have (older Cinelli that came with 98 Lemond Zurich) are a tad bit too narrow for me from center to center. The stem I have is also an older quill Control Tech and I want to convert it to a threadless. And three, I just bought a Lemond Maillot Jaune frame that I will be soon switching over. Good time to change the handlebar/stem set up. 8-)
06-10-14, 12:20 PM
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You do realize converting to a threadless stem (unless you want to use a funky converter that doesn't accomplish much) you need a new headset and a new fork.
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06-10-14, 12:24 PM
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A gazillion and one choices out there. I've been happy with my FSA SL-K stem ($60) + Performance Forté Team Alloy($30) road bars. No not the blingiest set up on the block, but has been stiff, comfortable and light enough - works for me. Things I like about this handlebar: not too shallow; not too deep; reach seems perfect; and comfortable whether on the drops, hoods, or tops.
...but of course, a big YMMV.
...but of course, a big YMMV.
06-10-14, 12:29 PM
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Makes sense going to a new frame. I wouldn't bother on the old frame.
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06-10-14, 12:30 PM
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There are a zillion choices. Personally, I'd find a bar that I liked the shape and dimension of, then pick a matching stem just for the aesthetics.
Whatever stem you go with, it's going to be lighter and stiffer than what you have.
Whatever stem you go with, it's going to be lighter and stiffer than what you have.
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06-10-14, 12:35 PM
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I hear ya. Would you recommend buying a new quill stem rather then switching to a threadless using an adapter?
06-10-14, 12:44 PM
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I'm not sure I'm following. If it's staying on a bike with a threaded headset, why not just buy slightly wider bars that fit the existing stem?
If it's moving to a bike with a threadless headset get a threadless stem.
IMHO, the adapter is a rather inelegant answer to work around a problem. They're heavy and don't look great.
If you can't find handlebars to fit your Cinelli stem, an adapter could be an option, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
If it's moving to a bike with a threadless headset get a threadless stem.
IMHO, the adapter is a rather inelegant answer to work around a problem. They're heavy and don't look great.
If you can't find handlebars to fit your Cinelli stem, an adapter could be an option, but it wouldn't be my first choice.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
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