Quill stem - two part handlebar clamp any good?

[CatLeChat]

It's my first post so please be kind to me!

What are people's thoughts on 2 bolt handlebar clamps? I've had someone tell me they're 'not good' and I should stick to a traditional one bolt clamp but didn't specify why and I can't find much info on them. Is it a looks thing or are they less durable because there's two potential points of failure? The idea of not having to strip off everything to change the stem again definitely appeals!

I need to reduce the reach and increase the height on my new (it's younger than I am so it counts as new!) Dawes Galaxy before I can take it touring. The frame is the right size before anyone asks - I just have disproportionately long legs/short arms and iffy wrists. The easiest to get stem that seems to be the right length/reach/rise is a 2 bolt clamp, hence the question.

 

[gtturbo]

Absolutely no problem with using a stem with a 2 bolt, or 4 bolt, handlebar clamp. It's been the standard now for many years.

 

[bobby-gg]

Stop listening to the person who told you that two bolt stems are no good.......

Enjoy your Galaxy, I'm looking to pick one up soon too

 

[CatLeChat]

Stop listening to the person who told you that two bolt stems are no good.......

Enjoy your Galaxy, I'm looking to pick one up soon too

They also don't like that I have index shifters and an obviously modern saddle on an 80s Falcon, so I thought it might be them being annoyed at me not keeping it original, because woe betide anyone making their bike comfortable to ride

Hope you enjoy yours when you get it! So far mine has just been cursed for being uncomfortable/stuck/seized/dirty, which usually means I'll love it once serviced!

 

[bobby-gg]

I've had this picked up for me whilst I'm looking for a Galaxy

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/hardisty-531st-tourer.479711/

 

[jim haseltine]

No issue with 2 or 4 bolt stems - like with single bolt offerings just buy a quality item and it'll be unlikely to break. That's not to say that cheap ones will break.... I found the two-piece fitting on my ahead stem saved me so much messing around when changing handlebars that I bought a 3TTT Evol for my quill bike - and that has technically a 3-piece, 1 bolt fitting.

 

[bikeworkshop]

A lot of traditionalists don't like the look of a removable faceplate stem.
The reason this became the design normal though is because the bar can be removed without stripping off the controls and grips.

Strength usually depends on quality and care in assembly - (almost) all bicycle parts should be up to the job they were designed for.

Amusingly is much easier to make a high end carbon stem horribly unsafe with careless fitting than a vintage GB!

Theres some associated debate about 25.4 and 26mm clamp sizes.
A galaxy probably has a 25.4 bar.

As a rule slim steel frame tubes look horrible with oversize bars and stems.

And that's a Fact

 

[CatLeChat]

I've had the callipers out, so I'm clear on the bar size at least!