Are all aheadstems hideous?

[elPedro666]

As fine an example of beautiful Italian steel as you're likely to see (not mine!), blighted by a carbuncle of a stem.

So my real question is, are there any decent looking aheadstems in the world, preferably affordable ones available in polished silver or chrome, that could grace such a delightful steed...?

 

[gavr]

I think hideous is a strong word but they do lean that way as far as I'm concerned, especially that particular carbuncle...

Ricky Feather is making some of the most absolutely stunning modern classics out there

http://www.feathercycles.com/

but i think the best are those with the quills like this

http://www.feathercycles.com/?portfolio ... -road-bike

 

[foz]

I don't think the stem on that colnago is too bad, taking into consideration all the black parts and carbon stuff it has hanging off it :facepalm:

the thomson x2 stems are quite good looking I think, pricey though!

 

[David B]

I don't think the stem on that colnago is too bad, taking into consideration all the black parts and carbon stuff it has hanging off it :facepalm:

the thomson x2 stems are quite good looking I think, pricey though!

+1 for Thomsons - IIRC a neat design with the steerer clamp integral with the main body of the stem so quite clean lines.

David

 

[daccordimark]

Are all aheadstems hideous?

In a word - yes.

There's not one of them, even the x2, which are slim enough to grace a traditional slim tubed steel bike.

Mark.

 

[secret_squirrel]

In the MTB world the syncros type stems with the expanding clamp in front of the steerer look much cleaner imo. Probably a bit too chunky for a thin steel tubed road bike though. Though rare there are negative rise versions too.

Edit :
Cinelli Grammo's make a virtue of the ugliness.

 

[Apple Tree]

daccordimark said :
Are all aheadstems hideous?

In a word - yes.

+ 1. Like a small girder on the front of the bike. A graceful quill stem is the only answer for a classic bike.

 

[mattr]

Funny that, i used to have a steel ahead stem BITD. Single bolt clamp at both ends (much like the integrated seat binder bolts you still see) and a 1ish" diameter shaft.

No idea where it is now, or who made it.

But the fashion now is stiffness and/or aero above all else. So you aren't likely to find a slender stem with minimal clamps anymore.

And that Colnago is gopping, in every. single. way.

 

[ferrus]

Re:

Yes they are hideous!, perhaps the worst thing that's happened to roadbikes aesthetically imho.

Ibis ahead's are nice though, at a price - but still cheaper than a custom. viewtopic.php?t=115835

 

[Rod_Saetan]

Only really work on the right bikes though obviously.