Regarding threadless steerers, it is correct that they don't have height adjustement. But, they are so easy to swap that one could arguably keep size run of threadless stems and occasionaly change length (and of course rise too) very quickly. In a sense, threadless stems give up hight adjustment for ease of length adjustment! One kind of versatility is given up but another is gained. Just some food for thought. Mike Kone
At 11:27 AM 4/21/01 EDT, DTSHIFTER@aol.com wrote:
>Jerry et al,
>
>Strictly speaking, you don't rely on spacers to adjust stem height on
>threadless stems (once you cut the stem, you can't add spacer height)
>although the common practice is to have (3) 5mm spacers which of course can
>be reduced. Rather, you must decide on the length of the stem and the angle
>desired (don't forget, threadless stems are also reversible, so they are
more
>versatile than quill stems in this regard). This requires more thought
about
>the stem (especially for MTB applications) than traditional stem selection.
>I am not a fan of threadless stems (partly because they require more
>specialized equipment for installation and partly for aesthetic reasons)
but,
>they do offer advantages over traditional quill stems, especially in the MTB
>arena.
>
>As far as length is concerned, if you don't have to have the most high zoot
>stem $$ can buy, threadless stems are available (in 1") down to 60mm, and
>with the reversibility they offer, effective length will be versatile as
well.
>
>A big advantage of threadless stems/headset combos, is the adjustability of
>the headset out on the road/trail. A 5mm allen is all you need....that's
>handy!!! Try that with a Stronglight P-3; V-4 or S-7 or almost any threaded
>headset. Not to mention the routine maintenance aspect of the traditional
>stem/headset vs. threadless. How many times have I seen listmembers write
in
>for suggestions on removing a "stubborn" stem?
>
>Still raining here in Malta!!!
>
>Chuck Brooks