How often should I ...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] How often should I change my stem?

10 Posts
8 Users
0 Reactions
122 Views
Posts: 643
Full Member
Topic starter
 

As above really. The stem on my bikes 5 or 6 years old, the bike's used several times a week so the stem's had plenty of use. The stem looks fine, but does bits of kit like this have a use by date?


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 12:47 pm
Posts: 1670
Free Member
 

Same as your handlebars and seatpost. And cranks. And brake levers, etc... If it ain't broke and you are happy with it, it's probably fine.


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 12:49 pm
Posts: 3529
Free Member
 

steezysix - Member
Same as your handlebars and seatpost. And cranks. And brake levers, etc... If it ain't broke and you are happy with it, it's probably fine.

Handlebars yes, stem not unless crash damaged. I've only swapped stems when replacing old bars and standards have changed.


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 1:34 pm
Posts: 371
Free Member
 

You're allowed to change it any time as long as its for a shorter "more Enduro" one. 😀


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 2:05 pm
Posts: 13330
Full Member
 

You're allowed to change it any time as long as its for a shorter "more Enduro" one.

Incorrect, you're also allowed to change it to a 140mm, -17 degree stem. Either go long, or go short, 50 - 120mm is simply not pro.


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 2:08 pm
Posts: 643
Full Member
Topic starter
 

It's a 45mm jobie so plenty enduro enough for me. Going up to 140mm would be entertaining right until I had to go round a corner!


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 2:41 pm
 rs
Posts: 28
Free Member
 

better change the frame while you're at it, just to be safe...


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 3:17 pm
Posts: 65918
Free Member
 

Is it a Thomson? Everyone else's stems last basically forever but they consider stem faceplates to be a consumable.


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 3:32 pm
Posts: 643
Full Member
Topic starter
 

rs, I have changed the frame after breaking the last one. It lasted 18 months so in comparison the stem's doing well 😀 nope, not a Thomson stem. An old Sunline something or other


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 4:33 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I've got a Sunline V1 I bought used with no bolts. I was told the heads had rounded off and that they were alloy?! If true then they would be the only part I would worry about.

I cleaned & checked the threads in the stem then used 12.9 high tensile steel bolts and it's just fine


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 4:45 pm
Posts: 643
Full Member
Topic starter
 

lazlowoodbine, I think that's what mine is. They're definitely steel bolts though as I swapped them out as they were rusting


 
Posted : 28/06/2017 4:50 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!