More bicycle work today. At least I got to use the lathe.
I've been trying to find a handlebar stem that doesn't stick out so far ahead of the stem. I found one on Amazon, but the seller didn't specify what size it was. There are two basic size stems, 7/8" (22.2mm) and 1" (25.4mm). My bike uses the one-inch size.
I sent an email to the seller and asked what size their stem was. He didn't know but said he'd go look. The next day (he must have taken a long look) he wrote back that the stem I wanted was the 1-inch variety. So, I ordered it.
Eight days later (it took them 6 days to get it out of stock and to the post office) it arrived.
When I pulled it out of the package I could see it was too small. But, I took it out to the shop, measured it and actually tried it in the stem hole, where it rattled around. It was the 7/8" stem. I looked on the package and as big as you see, there it was, 22.2mm stem size for a 25.4mm handlebar diameter.
I called them. I admit, I was annoyed. The guy who answered was nice enough but he didn't know anything. The mechanic would call me back, which he never did. Then I got an email disputing my complaint, insisting that the part they sent was a 25.4mm stem. Then he had the tumerity to insist that go back and try it again, because they sent the right one.
I explained that I am a machinist and know how to read a dial caliper and was capable of seeing how the one they sent rattled around in the hole and would not work. I took a picture of the package where it clearly said it was the wrong size. I just wanted to know if they have the correct one so I can order it, or do I have to return this turkey.
I didn't hear back from them after that. I don't think they know how good I am at writing a bad review. they handled this very poorly and I'm going to give them such a nuggie.
I was irritated because I'd waited so long for the part, and now I was going to have packe it back up and send it back.
Then, I decided to be a machinist and make a adapter shim to make it work. I drilled a 7/8" hole in a 4" x 1.25 aluminum bar, then turned down the outside to 1 inch, leaving a lip so it wouldn't slip down in the stem hole.
The walls got pretty thin, so I had to be gingerly, but I got 'er done.
The lip on top of the adapter keeps it from falling in the hole.
The stem tightens in the hole by means of a slanted nut and angle at the bottom of the stem tube.
Mission accomplished. The handlebars are 4" closer to me with the new stem. I don't have to lean over so far and put so much weight on my hands while riding. They get sore from the pressure on longer rides. I am pleased with the result.
