It probably is. The stem in question was alloy, sort of faux-lugged, i.e. had the appearence of being lugged but wasn't. Most importantly, the extension was hollow, that is, the back end of the extension was open and you could look into it and see the quill binder bolt inside. The hollow cavity extended forward beyond the bolt. Those stems are found marked AVA, but also with other markings or entirely unmarked. They look so similar, I suspect one company may have manufactured them all and supplied to the various companies. I'm not at all sure that manufacturer was actually AVA. I've never had any trouble with these stems, but I ride short extensions, especially on old French bikes with long TT's., so I don't apply much leverage at the bars. Maybe longer ones were more prone to break.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <raleighpro@dejazzd.com>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 8:18 AM
> Subject: [CR]AVA stem
>
>
> > Please excuse my denseness:
> > But is this the bad stem or not?
> >
> >
>
>http://ebay.com/<blah>
> rd=1<
> >
> > Maybe I'll figure this out sooner or later!
> > Thanks.
>
>
> Pete... this is one that tempted me and prompted this thread. But the
> Peugeotistes here set me on the right course: it's NOT the AVA stem at
least
> used on PX-10e's of my era (1972).
>
> Peter Kohler, sticking with his Pivo
> Washington DC USA