Cycling UK Forum

I am considering buying a Deda ADJ adjustable stem for my Audax machine. The impression given by the product details I've read, is that this type of stem is used solely to establish correct stem height and length and then removed. If purchased, I fully intend to leave it on the bike so that I can vary handlebar position/height when necessary...Unfortunately I have bouts of quite serve back pain and I'm hoping something like this will help alleviate the problem.
Does anyone have experience of the Deda ADJ or similar which may help me decide about purchase?

I have two bikes with adjustable stems - both were fitted and left on as I couldn't see the point of buying a new stem to replicate the position that I'd already achieved and they are not race bikes so saving a few grams wasn't important.

I notice no difference between these stems and a normal one when riding (apart from the fact that it was easier/cheaper to get the right position).

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=70821#p609760 £20!

More details here http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... ahead-stem

Si wrote:I notice no difference between these stems and a normal one when riding (apart from the fact that it was easier/cheaper to get the right position).

Me too. And you can quickly adjust for different styles of riding - high for a day's pottering and sightseeing, low for head-down fast riding.

Both BBB and XLC make adjustable stems that are considerably cheaper than the Deda stem. there is very little difference in operation weight or range.

I have seen some other vertical types. I recall them being discussed on here as being a Dawes specific part, but am certain I've seen them sold separately in a shop (packaged, so not swapped out). I cannot find a link to the ones I've seen, but there's another one I've found, though I imagine it's pricey-

http://www.octagoncycles.com/why-octagon.html

Looks like it would have more variation, and without the rotation would save adjustment of bar angle when raising.

There are also stem extenders that could be added which would maintain angles, so would be simple to use when required I guess.

I bought one for the same reason as you and leave it on. Seems fine, but I am a low mileage operator.

Systen EX are good value and are well made. Choice of diameters and lengths.

From memory, SJS and Spa both sell them.

Dawes have used/still use(?) these.....http://www.nvocomponents.com/
They are expensive, in my view, and don't take the stem up higher than the top of the steerer tube ( apart from the stem slope)

If you use a problem solvers locking spacer so you don't need to re-adjust the headset each time [url http://problemsolversbike.com/products/ ... et_spacers[/url] then front-loading ahead stems are so quick to change that adjustable stems are almost redundant, unless you want to alter your riding position at the roadside.
(quill adapter/ahead stem also changes fast)

then front-loading ahead stems are so quick to change that adjustable stems are almost redundant,

But the problem is that you might have to buy several before finding the ideal. My adjustable was as cheap as many basic normal stems and allowed me to get my position perfect without the extra expense. Of course, if you have a nice LBS who are happy to lend you some stems so that you can get the right one then that would be great, but not everyone does.

This is why I still like quill stems....much more scope for adjustment than ahead. Not that ahead don't have benefits but if someone has cut your steerer down before you get it then it can be a pain.

That looks like the one I've seen in shops too, Colin, cheers.

I have a locking spacer, and it's certainly useful, considering how often I experiment and swap out stems and bars. Shame they don't make a 1" version for madame's bike.

We've got an adjustable stem in the shed from a Carrerra Subway in her pre-history and it's horrible (to me anyway). Couldn't say what brand it is though. I never managed to get it to stay securely tightened at the desired angle.

mrjemm wrote:.............I have a locking spacer, and it's certainly useful, considering how often I experiment and swap out stems and bars. Shame they don't make a 1" version for madame's bike...........

Being an inveterate tinkerer, I have shimmed inch and eighth down to inch....I think I used a shim off a BBB steerer extender, but a slice of a regular stem spacer would do, or a bit of steerer offcut!

Si wrote:But the problem is that you might have to buy several before finding the ideal. My adjustable was as cheap as many basic normal stems and allowed me to get my position perfect without the extra expense.

You've still got to rely on trial and error and guesswork to get the reach perfect as well as the height.
The only way round that is the Look Ergostem, and that's the price of several normal stems (~£200) as well as not being in production any more.

On ebay there're 3 of those ergostems, 2x quill and 1 new ahead at £183. Odd looking!

Talking of variable stems not for road use, Salsa do one called the Size-o-matic 2, but I wouldn't risk using that he road at all-
http://salsacycles.com/components/size-o-matic_ii

(The shim idea makes sense, but as the lockrings are so skinny, it'll make sense in combining it with the new stem I need to get for it, which'll almost certainly be a 1 1/8. Bloomin lack of 1" stuff out there).

A couple more options from Humpert-

http://www.practicalcycles.com/userimages/procart23.htm

Sorry I cannot seem to link the individual ones, but fairly low on the page is an ergotec one, listed as Humpert QAS Ahead Quick Release Stem (£49.99!) for some reason, but for less money, though still a fair bit at £44.99, is the Humpert 'Up and Down' QR Variable Stem Raiser, which is similar to the octagon I linked to earlier, in that it rises up and down- this one 10cm. A bit bulky, but looks far less hassle than an angling one.

Bizarrely, the 1st one here, is advertised on ebay for £10 less- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Humpert-QAS-A ... 2c604061f6

By them! Though the other is same price, so I guess it's a typo on their own website.

I've had a couple of adjustables, the first was a ART stem which had a patented adjuster that couldn't slip if the bolt worked loose. The pivot was like a hinge with a splined pin, so that the pin has to be withdrawn completely before it will turn.