So i decided to flip my stem which i do it and feels great, on the other hand i think i mixed the faceplate screws up and the screws to the back of them stem, long story short the shorter screws fit in the back of the stem fine and get tight. but when i put the tire inbetween my feet the stems loose and goes back and forth, when i try the longer screws then go in and just keep spinning. Did i strip my stem like i think i did or am i using the wrong screws or doing something wrong? the cap on top is on tight.

^^lol thank god i realized i flipped the stem and was putting screws in the wrong side. the simpilest DIY'S seem to cause me problems with the dumbest stuff.

But a real question. is there anyway to staigten your stem out perfectly with your fork and front wheel other than eyeing it up?

tap, tap. perfect, tighten.

I'm so freaking fussy about handlebar alignment it's silly. It's an art form. Get it right and ride. Eyeing it up is the way.

Well you could get a plumb bob if you are extremely picky about it.

^ or make one by tying just about anything to a string.

Yup, a plumb bob. A classic dollar store purchase. Nothing anal at all about making sure your stem is perfectly aligned. I can't think of a more classic, "gots' to be perfect" item. It makes all the difference.

My plumb bob, level, and measuring tape have never been used for anything but my bikes.

I'm anal about bike maintenance. My chain is properly lubricated, but is dry and clean to the touch.

Carleton,

I felt a little weirded out on this one.

hahaha...I just got that. Sorry.

Thanks guys, already found a plumb on hand in my garage. Going to get to work asap i'm really anal about things being exactly straight on my bike.

How do you manage this? Clean and lube after every ride? I tried a few different lubes that people claimed to keep the chain clean but it got dirty anyway. the chain is lubed and wiped frequently, but never "clean to the touch" unfortunately.


so far: White Lightning, Rock & Roll Gold, Finish Line

I heard White Lightning's Clean Ride works really well, but I've yet to try it.

I also like to know what carleton keep under his sleeve.

I clean the chain with carb cleaner then thoroughly lube it with Dumonde Tech oil and wipe clean. Oil will seep out for the first few rides, but I keep wiping the surface, chainring, and cog clean. Eventually, this stops and there remains enough oil inside the chain to operate properly, but not enough to seep out. The chain stays like this for long time. It's time to clean and re-lube when the chain gets noisy not when it feels dry.

what shop are you working at?

I don't work at a shop.

You definitely should. I'd trust my bike 100% with you.

He's too busy with track stuff to work in a shop.

that was to the thread starter.

I was going to guess that you used an automotive aerosol spray like brake cleaner, perhaps even an aerosol gun scrubber product. And then oil the chain.