The latest exercise in our framebuilder's correspondence course (FBCC) is to make our own stems.
Sounds simple, but its not. Years ago, when steel stems were the rage, and the only type available, all the best lugmakers made stem lugs. Alas, those times are long gone. To make a proper steel stem today, without the original components, requires real ingenuity and skill (two things I don't have ... so I plan to substitute stubbornness and privately uttered profanities).
Today, someone wanting a blindingly bright chromed steel stem (BBcSS) must pay outrageous prices on ebay, (see ebay - 260104720668) or settle for a vastly superior Japanese product. There is a third option, of course, which is why I'm writing this letter: Get one from me!
This is a one time offer, not to be repeated any time soon. For the low, low cost of material and tooling I am willing to copy any of your favorite BBcSS ... as long as it has a G.B. mark on it.
Again, you may think that this is a trivial exercise, but a casual perusal of any serious G.B. collection will prove otherwise.
Back when G.B. was in business, a customer could order a stem of any length (as long as was in 1/2" increments). They could choose from the latest materials, be it Reynolds 531 or A&P Kromo. Several styles were available as well: Road, Track and Oddly Suggestive (pictures available upon request).
The "oddly suggestive" model was never advertised for fear of enraging the public ... but was widely used by top riders and posers.
My own G.B. - BBcSS collection includes all but the "oddly suggestive/Toni Merkens" model. If anyone out there has one that they are willing to donate to this noble cause, please do not hesitate to send it to me directly.
The advantages you will have, should you decide to purchase one of these fine stems, are: the engraving of your choice (something G.B. never offered at any price) any length, any angle, any slope, any bolt hole diameter any handlebar diameter chromed or ready-for-paint finish Spearpoint length and sharpness to match any temperament
And now for the fine print: These stems are for show bikes (heck, I wouldn't ride a bike with a stem made by a novice). Anyone wanting a "rider" will have to order two ... one for the destructive test lab and one for their bike. Blue G.B. and/or red G.B. binder bolts not included. Date of delivery: none too soon.
All the best,
Amir Avitzur Ramat-Gan, Israel (celebrating our 59th Independence Day)