Sakae "The Tube" stem

[TomvanHalen]

I'm looking for a longish, very positive rise stem for a commuting build with a front rack. Needs to be pretty stiff, the current one flexes laterally. Spotted these on eBay, anyone have any experience of them? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THE-CrMo-TUBE ... 1455844843

What else should I be looking at that won't break the bank?

 

[dirttorpedo]

Re:

I think the Nitto Dirt Drop is probably the top end of the market there. You can probably find some Origin8 branded ones. Kalloy ones as well (I think they are the main manufacturer for many of the brands). I think you can find a Profile design one (the Boa?) with a removeable face plate. Not as elegant looking but they work and it makes switching bars easier.

 

[WD Pro]

I have nothing against tall long stems, but I think the one pictured above looks 'cheap' ?

It looks like there is distortion in the tube from manufacture ?

WD

 

[pete_mcc]

Re:

The pipe was from about 89/90, was part of a range that SR did along with the higher level 'the pipe' stem, the TCO seatpost (Tall Cool One) and the Litage frame

Personally I love the Dirt Drop stem, very classy

 

[TomvanHalen]

The dirt drop stem is far too classy for my ridiculous beater. Good to hear some more info about "the tube"; was it any good though? I saw another one for sale in 'murica and it didn't have distortion I could see. Maybe I'll luck out