I need a stem

jsull14 said:

Hi,

I've been cycling regularly for only about 6 months. The problem I am having is my handlebars always come loose. I have tightened my stem as tight as it can get without breaking it.

It's scary going downhill and feeling the bars move forward and down.

Any suggestions on a good stem that keeps the handlebars in place throughout the ride?

Thanks

What type of stem and bars are you currently using and have you used a torque wrench? (usually not necessary, but it wouldn't hurt to double-check with your situation)
Are you sure that you have the appropriate sized stem/handlebar combination (26 vs 31.8, etc) or proper shims? This should not be an issue if neither component is damaged!

jsull14 said:

Hi,

I've been cycling regularly for only about 6 months. The problem I am having is my handlebars always come loose. I have tightened my stem as tight as it can get without breaking it.

It's scary going downhill and feeling the bars move forward and down.

Any suggestions on a good stem that keeps the handlebars in place throughout the ride?

Thanks

serenaslu has it covered here. Would bet your stem is the wrong size for your bar. You could measure your stem and bars with a caliper, or just take the bike in to your LBS and have them replace with the right size stem. A good LBS should be happy to help you for minimal labor cost, eg, $10 or so.

You don't need an expensive super-light stem; any one that's the right size should keep your bars in place. If the bars are really worn or gouged under the clamp area from all the movement, the LBS may advice to replace them also to ensure they don't break on you down the road sometime.

4 bolt stem makes me feel better. I've used the 2 bolt ones and had the same problem as you on a ride. Scary coming down that hill...

Really like my Stella Azzurra
http://www.stellaazzurra.com/product.php?prod_id=sta02

jsull14 said:

Hi,

I've been cycling regularly for only about 6 months. The problem I am having is my handlebars always come loose. I have tightened my stem as tight as it can get without breaking it.

It's scary going downhill and feeling the bars move forward and down.

Any suggestions on a good stem that keeps the handlebars in place throughout the ride?

Thanks

I have a similar problem - bought carbon handlebars and Deda Mag61 stem - almost impossible to get the stem to tighten on the smooth carbon bar - I haven't solved the problem yet - may replace the handlebars with an alloy one such as a Cinelli Nevo - any suggestions ?

tiddy said:

I have a similar problem - bought carbon handlebars and Deda Mag61 stem - almost impossible to get the stem to tighten on the smooth carbon bar - I haven't solved the problem yet - may replace the handlebars with an alloy one such as a Cinelli Nevo - any suggestions ?

The problem is the alloy / carbon combination. The trick is to use the same material combination. If you still prefer an alloy stem with your carbon bars, check out the Deda Arimo which has a nifty trick. Deda has a carbon insert where it clamps to the handlebars.

tiddy said:

I have a similar problem - bought carbon handlebars and Deda Mag61 stem - almost impossible to get the stem to tighten on the smooth carbon bar - I haven't solved the problem yet - may replace the handlebars with an alloy one such as a Cinelli Nevo - any suggestions ?

I use a Kestrel carbon bar with the Stella Azzurra and haven't had a problem. I'm @ 175 lbs so I put some weight on em... 8-)