cinelli stem

[speedthing]

Hi
sorry if this is a thick question but what is the plastic wedge for that ive seen
on some cinelli stems.

 

[bobbinogs]

They are for the wedge shaped gap (around the bolt) in the bit that holds onto the handlebars. Not sure if I have explained that well!

IMHO (which could be nonsense), the wedge ensures that it all seals nicely and that, with the bolt fully tightened, the stem is not left with alu tightened against alu as it isn't the toughest of materials (so could deform). Then again, I found that a stem my father in law was using for 20 years that didn't have the wedge and it all seemed to work ok.

 

[fiks]

If you mean the XA stem:
http://www.bikepro.com/products/stems/cinelli-road.html

then that plastic bit (came in different colours) is purely cosmetic, it's just to fill fill up the gap. Although it might also stop water getting into the threads and bolt.

 

[speedthing]

Yes it is the XA stem that i have with the black wedge but ive seen different coloured ones on ebay and wondered what it was for thought they might
be different sizes or something.
cheers

 

[Citoyen du monde]

Yes it is the XA stem that i have with the black wedge but ive seen different coloured ones on ebay and wondered what it was for thought they might
be different sizes or something.
cheers

Aesthetics only. Back when they first came out 80's, Cinelli supplied you with 4 colours if memory serves me correctly.

 

[speedthing]

Ok cool thanks.