How to convert a 1980's bike with a quill stem

[gb155]

To one with a modern stem/bars

Merci peeps

 

[rualexander]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/profile-quill-to-threadless-stem-converter/

 

[Hacienda71]

You can either get a stem adaptor which you then attach a modern stem to, iirc you can get them from Decathlon. Or it is possible to put a modern headset on an old frame, but you will need new forks rather than threaded and you will need to make sure there is enough length on the steerer. TBH though if I did a restoration of a quality frame I would use a quill stem they look good. You can still get quil stems. Planet X always have discounted ones.

 

[smokeysmoo]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/profile-quill-to-threadless-stem-converter/

+1, that's the same thing I used on my Peugeot Gaz, except I used a black one. I seem to recall paying about a tenner from my LBS.
Dead simple, slot the adapter in as you would a quill stem, tighten the bolt, then fit your modern stem as normal and Bob's your Uncle

 

[fossyant]

IMHO - Looks wrong an an older bike.

Stems -Look at PX - they are selling quil stems really cheap. Bars are readily available too.

Argh - Hacienda has beat me to it. The adapters are 1" to 1-1/8" and I've also seen them in Decathlon. Older bikes use 1" headsets, unless it's an MTB and thats 1-1/8"

 

[smokeysmoo]

IMHO - Looks wrong an an older bike.

It depends on how you're building it IMO. For a sympathetic restoration I completely agree with using a quill, however, I built my Peugeot as a modern resto with a 10 speed conversion, so a stem adapter and modern bars was wholly appropriate and suited my needs better


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[gb155]

Thanks smokes

Foz - I understand the sentiments - but my old pug looked lovely with a touch of modern on the front end and I'm no fan of the old bars / stems

Here's the beast - 38cm wide bars, I normally ride 44cm's so it's kind of forcing my hand , I'm told before powder coating t'was a Reynolds 520 pug( well, still is but you get me)

 

[rockyraccoon]

... I built my Peugeot as a modern resto with a 10 speed conversion, so a stem adapter and modern bars was wholly appropriate and suited my needs better ...

How did you convert from down shifter to STI? Did you need an adapter?

 

[smokeysmoo]

How did you convert from down shifter to STI? Did you need an adapter?

Simples, you just need a pair of these, http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/shimano-alloy-braze-on-down-tube-cable-stops-with-barrel-adjusters-prod5511/

 

[Milo]

I like my quill stem much more adjustable and a good one should not flex. They do tend to creek when they get older however.

 

[gaz]

I like my quill stem much more adjustable and a good one should not flex. They do tend to creek when they get older however.

how on earth do you use those brakes?

 

[Milo]

I rarely use the drops. Admittedly it is on my to do list to move them forward a bit

 

[smokeysmoo]

how on earth do you use those brakes?

+1???
[EDIT] crossed with reply

 

[gb155]

I rarely use the drops. Admittedly it is on my to do list to move them forward a bit

or a lot

 

[gaz]

I rarely use the drops. Admittedly it is on my to do list to move them forward a bit

How you get purchase on those whilst on the hoods I don't know. you must have to twist your wrist quite a bit.