Specialized Adjustable Stems

Triathlon Forum
1

I just posted a wtb in the classifieds for a specialized stem with the ‘adjustable’ angle shim, as I’m trying to find the best fit transfer from an old bike, without having access to numerous stems in my garage.

But that got me thinking, is there any reason I can’t use that same shim on any old stem, thereby making it ‘adjustable’ too?

thanks.

2

The Specialized adjustable stems have a slightly larger clamp diameter to accommodate the shim. This is visually obvious if you hold the Spec stem side by side with another. I recently got my roadie fit, and switched to a ‘standard’ stem that had the correct geometry. The spacers left on the steerer were maybe 1mm in diameter larger than the ‘new’ stem.

In short, the shim won’t fit in a standard stem.

3

But if I have a stem that fits my current, standard, 1 1/8th steertube, isn’t that shim what bumps the stock specialized 1" tube up to fit the 1 1/8th stem?

4

Good point. I didn’t think of that. In that case… give it a try.

5

I’m pretty sure that that is how it works on the Transition. The steerer is 1" and the shim brings it up to a 1 1/8" so you can use a new standard stem. Or you could get an older 1" stem and use that without the shim.
So, for you to use the shim you would need a 1" steerer.

Another alternative is to get a Look Ergostem. Very adjustable. They are expensive but they have great resale value on classified and ebay. Just try buying one. So, that might be a good investment for a season of experimenting.

good luck

6

I’m holding a Spec shim right now. The other poster is correct in that the stem has an oversized diameter to accomodate the shim…which has an internal diameter of 1 1/8" - and an external diameter approximately 1/16 larger than that.

Good stems though and a good solution if needed. Rock solid.

7

So then just to make sure I understand you correctly, which I think I do…

I can use the shim on a standard 1 1/8th stem, on the 1" steertube of my transition?

I already have a 110mm specialized stem with the shim, that is too long, so I can just take my 1 1/8th profile design 80mm stem from my other bike and put it on the transition?

Thanks!

8

I can use the shim on a standard 1 1/8th stem, on the 1" steertube of my transition?

yes, see this discussion

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=2561316;search_string=bermudabill;#2561316
.

9

Great. Thanks Bill.