This question pertains to threaded road-bike stems that use an internal cone rather than a wedge at the bottom for friction adjustment. I have several road bikes and the ONLY ones that give me a problem have this internal-cone type of stem (e.g., 3T Sintesis or Stratus). They don't always creak but, when they do, I disassemble, ensure that all the stem parts and the inside of the steerer tube are clean and burr- free, grease everything liberally, reassemble, etc. And after a couple of rides the creaking returns. It drives me nuts. Short of changing stems, can anyone recommend what I can do to fix this? Thanks in advance.
Mike Yankee
(Address is munged to thwart spammers. To reply, delete everything after "com".)
This question pertains to threaded road-bike stems that use an internal cone rather than a wedge at the bottom for friction adjustment. I have several road bikes and the ONLY ones that give me a problem have this internal-cone type of stem (e.g., 3T Sintesis or Stratus). They don't always creak but, when they do, I disassemble, ensure that all the stem parts and the inside of the steerer tube are clean and burr-free, grease everything liberally, reassemble, etc. And after a couple of rides the creaking returns. It drives me nuts. Short of changing stems, can anyone recommend what I can do to fix this? Thanks in advance.
The wedge versions are generally less trouble all round, as they are less likely to deform and get really stuck - the bottom of the cone-type stems can get permanently splayed. However, I have a cone version on my touring bike and it doesn't creak. It's in with Copaslip anti-seize.
[email hidden] (MikeYankee) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
This question pertains to threaded road-bike stems that use an internal cone rather than a wedge at the bottom for friction adjustment. I have several road bikes and the ONLY ones that give me a problem have this internal-cone type of stem (e.g., 3T Sintesis or Stratus). They don't always creak but, when they do, I disassemble, ensure that all the stem parts and the inside of the steerer tube are clean and burr-free, grease everything liberally, reassemble, etc. And after a couple of rides the creaking returns. It drives me nuts. Short of changing stems, can anyone recommend what I can do to fix this? Thanks in advance.
Mike Yankee
(Address is munged to thwart spammers. To reply, delete everything after "com".)
I don't really have much experience troubleshooting these, but try making sure that the handlebar clamp interface is also greased, (I know, it sounds like you're sure it's not this, but just in case) and also grease the stem/steerer interface by spreading grease on the inside of the steerer rather than the outside of the stem. Also maybe try using greases or lubes that can migrate more or less (ie, are thicker or thinner) than what you're using now - like if you're using regular white grease, try either some marine grease or some slick honey.
