2 bolt vs. 4 bolt Stems

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11-08-09 | 10:26 PM

das_pyrate

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From: dirty meda

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle, 1981 Gios Aerodynamic, Giant Boulder

2 bolt vs. 4 bolt Stems

Are there any real advantages/drawbacks to one over the other? (besides that 2 bolt is seemingly easier to adjust)

11-09-09 | 06:47 AM

mander

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Van BC

4 bolt holds better because, well, the work is spread across 4 bolts. For the same amount of torque on each bolt you get a tighter overall grip.

11-09-09 | 07:32 AM

beeftech

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From: Brooklyn finally.

Bikes: Bianchi San Jose, fixed

It really doesn't matter in real world applications.
It's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

A one bolt quill stem still holds the bars just as well.

11-09-09 | 07:36 AM

Saddle Up

I Love My Dream

Joined: Jan 2008

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https://www.eastonbike.com/downloadab...-06-2Bolts.pdf

https://www.eastonbike.com/downloadab...ess%20Tech.pdf

11-09-09 | 08:00 AM

Lug Steel

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I trust my 2-bolt Thomson more than my 4-bolt cheapo stems.

11-09-09 | 08:09 AM

bones_mcbones

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From: Winnipeg

Bikes: Fiori Fixie powder blue w/ granny bars

I like 4 bolt, personal preference, but I like to torque **** down(btw bike manuals should have torque specs). I wish they made stems with 4 bolts on the fork head tube as well, I've had issues there in the past.

11-09-09 | 09:35 AM

ianjk

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: duluth

Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450

Like Lug Steel said.

I'd trust a good 2-bolt over a cheap 4-bolt.