What stems fit what?

[Brad]

Hi there, I have a specialized allez 2011 road bike and was looking to change the stem as the one I have has become scratched so just looking for an upgrade. I have been looking at the Ritchey carbon stems as they have great looks and was just wondering if they are a generic fitment?

Also, does the length matter? Will I have to measure the length of my existing stem in order to get the correct size?

Are they easy to fit? Do I simply need to take the headset bolt out and the stem will just pop off?)

This is the particular stem I am looking at (Found it quite a bit cheaper off a well known auction site)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ritchey/wcs-carbon-stem-ec021510?query=Ritchey WCS carbon

Kind Regards, Brad

 

[Herzog]

Yep, length does matter (ohh err...). Too long and you'll be stretched out, too short and you may feel a bit cramped. If you're happy with your current riding position, I'd replace with the same length (and angle).

Removal is easy:

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jfc-PEhep8

 

[smokeysmoo]

^+1 for herzog, it's an easy fix, but you will need a torque wrench to ensure you don't overtighten the bolts, especially with carbon. Lots of people don't bother, they rely on feel, but when it comes to bars and stems you only need to score the lacquer and you've given birth to a snapped component of the future.

You don't specify which Allez you have, and forgive me for saying, but depending on which model it is, if you go ahead with the stem upgrade, your stem could be around a fifth of the value of your bike. Seems like a good reason to consider any other upgrades you might want and then persuade SWMBO that you need a new bike