Sand all the paint off the stem and get it wet before putting it back in. Let it rust to the steerer tube for a few months. 
arrghh - those ole 1' threaded headset stems
So i turned an 1980something rockhopper into as SS. I freaking love it.
The problem is that the stem wont stay straight after large bumps. You know...those stem/handlebar combo things where you use one allen bolt to secure the stem to the inside of the steerer tube. Its really really annoying and kinda dangerous - im not riding it anymore due to that.
Are there any crazy ideas (besides for getting new parts) that can fix this problem so my stem will stay straight?
The problem is that the stem wont stay straight after large bumps. You know...those stem/handlebar combo things where you use one allen bolt to secure the stem to the inside of the steerer tube. Its really really annoying and kinda dangerous - im not riding it anymore due to that.
Are there any crazy ideas (besides for getting new parts) that can fix this problem so my stem will stay straight?
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Heh. You are making me feel old. Most of my bikes have that 'antiquated' setup.
Pull the stem out and grease the threads on the binder bolt that lead into the wedge nut, and grease the spot where the top of bolt enters the stem. Grease the stem, too, so you can get it out in the future. Take a look at the wedge nut. Is it deformed? Check the inside of the steerer tube. If it is no longer round, or if it is cracked, then you have a different problem.
Most importantly, when the stem twists in the steerer, you need to first loosen it, move the stem slightly up or down, and then tighten it again. If you just tighten it, you may not get a firm grip on the inside of the steerer tube. The wedge nut needs to move a little, so it can find a new place to press against the steerer. Check your front brake, and off you go.
Pull the stem out and grease the threads on the binder bolt that lead into the wedge nut, and grease the spot where the top of bolt enters the stem. Grease the stem, too, so you can get it out in the future. Take a look at the wedge nut. Is it deformed? Check the inside of the steerer tube. If it is no longer round, or if it is cracked, then you have a different problem.
Most importantly, when the stem twists in the steerer, you need to first loosen it, move the stem slightly up or down, and then tighten it again. If you just tighten it, you may not get a firm grip on the inside of the steerer tube. The wedge nut needs to move a little, so it can find a new place to press against the steerer. Check your front brake, and off you go.
Excellent advice!
you may need to replace the wedge, I've had that happen & a new wedge grabbed very well.
you may need to replace the wedge, I've had that happen & a new wedge grabbed very well.
J_S said:Heh. You are making me feel old. Most of my bikes have that 'antiquated' setup.
Pull the stem out and grease the threads on the binder bolt that lead into the wedge nut, and grease the spot where the top of bolt enters the stem. Grease the stem, too, so you can get it out in the future. Take a look at the wedge nut. Is it deformed? Check the inside of the steerer tube. If it is no longer round, or if it is cracked, then you have a different problem.
Most importantly, when the stem twists in the steerer, you need to first loosen it, move the stem slightly up or down, and then tighten it again. If you just tighten it, you may not get a firm grip on the inside of the steerer tube. The wedge nut needs to move a little, so it can find a new place to press against the steerer. Check your front brake, and off you go.
Slightly OT But,
I think the quill stem with the wedge is a MORE secure way to attach stem to fork. I've never had one slip. You can over tighten them and ruin the steerer of the fork by deforming the inside of it. On the other hand you can only tighten an Ahead stem until the opening in the stem is closed, ie the 2 sides of the stem touch each other. I've twisted all of my Ahead stems off axis at one point or another.
I think the quill stem with the wedge is a MORE secure way to attach stem to fork. I've never had one slip. You can over tighten them and ruin the steerer of the fork by deforming the inside of it. On the other hand you can only tighten an Ahead stem until the opening in the stem is closed, ie the 2 sides of the stem touch each other. I've twisted all of my Ahead stems off axis at one point or another.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
ilmfat
790 Replies
DIRTJUNKIE
467 Replies
Sparticus
353 Replies
Recommended Communities
