i-am-iron-man
Senior Retro Guru
I used to have the same type of Thompson as you on my Lynskey, but I swapped it out for a cheapie titanium one - but it suits the bike so much more than the original one did:
I think you'll struggle to get a stylish off-the-peg stem. I can only think of the Nitto CT-80 but it might look a bit gay on your IF (although I think this stem is one of the most beautiful things available to mankind and I'm sure it can be bought in 31.8 if you look hard enough, you're at an advantage shopping for one in the States). I'm fairly certain the Nitto UI21EX is available in black and its 31.8mm. This Velo Orange stem is too silver (and a bit too low-end) for your red, yellow and black ride. Might be worth paying a builder for something distinctive and bespoke for that sort of bike. Things like that always look incredibly cool.
I think your choice of good-looking stems are limited by your choice of 31.8mm handlebars though. I downsized back to 26mm (although the same stem I bought is available in oversize). As much as I hate them when it comes to maintainance I much prefer side-loading stems and I really like stems where the bolts are all exposed, especially the ones that clamp it to the steerer.
Btw, I noticed on one of your other threads that you own a fantastic yellow and black Flite Titanium. How on Earth has it not found its way onto your IF?
Alistair
I think you'll struggle to get a stylish off-the-peg stem. I can only think of the Nitto CT-80 but it might look a bit gay on your IF (although I think this stem is one of the most beautiful things available to mankind and I'm sure it can be bought in 31.8 if you look hard enough, you're at an advantage shopping for one in the States). I'm fairly certain the Nitto UI21EX is available in black and its 31.8mm. This Velo Orange stem is too silver (and a bit too low-end) for your red, yellow and black ride. Might be worth paying a builder for something distinctive and bespoke for that sort of bike. Things like that always look incredibly cool.
I think your choice of good-looking stems are limited by your choice of 31.8mm handlebars though. I downsized back to 26mm (although the same stem I bought is available in oversize). As much as I hate them when it comes to maintainance I much prefer side-loading stems and I really like stems where the bolts are all exposed, especially the ones that clamp it to the steerer.
Btw, I noticed on one of your other threads that you own a fantastic yellow and black Flite Titanium. How on Earth has it not found its way onto your IF?
Alistair
