Stem Size

[StephenH]

I'm looking at two handlebar stems on Amazon/ Niagara Cycle:
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Steel-Tou ... 641&sr=8-5
Described as "Pyramid Steel Touring Stem, for 1" Handlebars, 22.2mm quill"
and
http://www.amazon.com/Stem-Pyramid-Stee ... 641&sr=8-8
Described as "Stem Pyramid Steel 10X.833 (21.1) Amer Size"

The bike in question is a cruiser-style bike a couple of years old, bought at Walmart, made in China. (see my "Snake Farm" post under the Build #3 forum) It seems logical that, me being here in America, I would need the "Amer Size". Is it this simple? Or what would I need to measure to confirm?

 

[CCR]

21.1mm is for a bike with a 1 inch steer tube (old bikes)

22.2mm is for a bike with a 1-1/8 inch steer tube (newer bikes)

if it was made in the 90s or later its probably a 1-1/8 inch, they dont make bikes in America anymore

 

[user 135]

21.1mm is for older bikes (Schwinn,Columbia, Hawthorned etc.) and old school BMX with 1" steertube.

22.2mm is for newer bikes mostly from China that have a 1" steertube.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/handsup.html#sizes


BUY the 22.2mm

 

[CCR]

what he said :wink:

 

[StephenH]

I was out looking at the bike today, and saw it has the size stamped on the stem- 22.2, hadn't thought to look there.

Appreciate the input!

 

[GodHatesCleveland]

For future reference, in case anyone buys a stemless frame off ebay or wherever:

Most stems will have the size stamped on it. If you don't have a stem with the bike already, take the frame to a local bike shop or bicycle co-op. They should have a measuring tool that is basically a pipe smaller at one end and lager at the other, with each of the common stem tube widths marked on it. All they have to do is stick the pipe down the stem tube and in about 5 seconds you'll know the exact width you need.

 

[user 135]

also a 7/8" open end wrench will fit over a 22.2mm stem.