Steel frame sportive/audax bike - stem issue

Lambretta · 08-09-2015 10:20PM #1

Hi all,

Need technical advice – photo below

Old steel frame argon 18 Columbus frame with quill stem is causing me some back problems due to lower position of stem compared to the slope of the modern sportive bikes with sloping stem. The headset is already at its highest …

Maybe I Should consider a different bike but I am big fan of the old steel frames and would like to see if it is possible to get a more sportive / comfort orientated stem..

Any advice here for me and the lbs on what to do – where to look? is it possible to get a new shorter /rising stem etc to fit this bike?
Photo below from the web of the model of the steel frame argon 18 as can't upload from my images.

Many thanks for any info - I understand my bike mech knowledge is limited /flawed but I will relay any advice here to the lbs

Photo of stem I have on my bianchi causing me no problems
http://www.pedalroom.com/p/bianchi-coast-2-coast-via-nirone-7-2545_4.jpg

onthefringe · 08-09-2015 10:29PM

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/brand-x-quill-adaptor-alloy/rp-prod6254

Quill adaptor ..
Does two things..
Allows you to use modern more angular stems (31.8 clamp) and modern bars ( compact etc)
And..
Allows the height to come up dramatically...
Nt as pretty as a quill stem but very functional
I use them on all my classics for comfortable setup
No point in it being gorgeous ( the bike) if I don't wanna ride it !!!!

Lambretta · 08-09-2015 10:34PM

Will check these out tomorrow.. true functionality before beauty.. or both if possible...

Al Wright · 08-09-2015 10:35PM

Replacement quill stems are readily available, one of the most common is manufactured by Nitto, Japan. Check diameter and both the height and reach dimensions required, you probably need shaft length of 225 or 280mm.
Some stockists are;

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s88p0

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/stems-1-222mm-quill-threaded-dept277_pg1/

OleRodrigo · 08-09-2015 10:38PM

Is it the reach or the height thats a problem ? If its the reach, a shorter stem should do the trick, if its height just raise the stem until the bars are level with the saddle. You should have about 8cm to play with.

The straight geometry of the top tube isnt the problem - sounds like its the drop to the bars. In which case raising the quill stem should fix it. If you have raised the stem past its mark and its not high enough, you could try a Nitto technomic

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/nitto-technomic-stem-tall-26-0-clamp.html

..otherwise you'll probably have to change the stem, headset and forks for an a head stem.

Edit: Correction, onthefringe is right, an adaptor will do, its the other way around ( from a head to quill stem ) that you probably will need to replace stem, forks and headset with.

Lambretta · 09-09-2015 11:34AM

Thanks a million for all the very useful info

Koobcam · 09-09-2015 03:02PM

From the photo, it doesn't look like there's that much of a drop from saddle to the bars. In fact, I'd say that looks like quite an upright position, which would be more along the lines of sportive-style positioning. Could also be that you need a shorter stem, or maybe raise the saddle a bit. Absolutely stunning bike by the way...

OleRodrigo · 09-09-2015 03:07PM

Its not his one, just the same model.

Lambretta · 10-09-2015 10:44PM

This is my bike before - it was stolen. It's now not in such good condition

I got it back after walking down Nassau Street having spotting it locked outside Kilkenny design. The new owner had bought it for one hundred euro on a North inner City Street market which I will not name...

He wrecked the bike but handed it back peacefully.

Lambretta · 10-09-2015 10:50PM

This is my bike in the condition before it was stolen - I see now how to unload photos.

I recovered this bike walking down Nassau Streets some 3 years after being stolen - it was locked and the new owner appeared.

He handed my bike back wrecked but peacefully. He bought it for 100 euro at well known North City market which I will not name.

onthefringe · 10-09-2015 10:54PM

Lambretta wrote: »

This is my bike before - it was stolen. It's now not in such good condition

I got it back after walking down Nassau Street having spotting it locked outside Kilkenny design. The new owner had bought it for one hundred euro on a North inner City Street market which I will not name...

He wrecked the bike but handed it back peacefully.

That's lovely

Steel frame sportive/audax bike - stem issue

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