Hi everyone,

This weekend I exchanged the Deda Zero 00 stem on my Renovo wooden bike project for a Spin Monolithic titanium stem. I also removed the Extralite top cap and put on the CK titanium topcap that came with the headset. I plan to polish stem in the next couple of weeks.

I think the stem itself looks great. The bi-axial ovalised extension tube looks is a real stunner and the quality of the welds is also really nice. The stem did come with some crappy aluminium bolts that were way to long, but luckely they were the same size as the ones on my Deda stem.

One thing still bothers me and that's the faceplate. The reason why I choose to go with the Spin titanium stem is because of the sleek design. The facebook however looks ridiculously bulky compared to the rest of the stem. It is also way overbuilt. That is why I would like you opinion on drilling a hole where the Spin logo is right now. Drilling a smaller hole isn't really an option, as you would be able to see part of the Spin logo.

What do you think? Can it be done? And will it hold afterwards?







Example of stem with very minimal faceplate:



This is what I want it to look like:

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My Renovo R1 wooden bike project and the reason for my passion for all that is wood.

Check it out: the most amazing vintage Colnago, Merckx and Pinarello collection

1. Tuning stems is common.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.

Best of luck!

/thread.

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Exp001

How much do you like your teeth?

Having it designed, manufactured and tested in a certain configuration is one thing. Drilling your own hole is another.

I don't see any problem with it.

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Trek 5500 - 13.75lbs on a $1400 Budget
20 gram 1x10 chain guide

It will be fine.

Seriously.

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Exp001

I have done that to some face plates, never had a problem with them. Make it smooth , and you can always look at it with a magnifing glass for any stress risers. Many parts are over built, and i also understand people have concerns when it comes to stems especially. Do what you feel most comfortable with.

dude, you are riding a wooden bike and wondering about the strength of titanium?

(BTW, I think the wooden bike is as sexy as anything I've ever seen)

Thanks everyone for your quick responses

I will get to work and I will let you know how it turns out.

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My Renovo R1 wooden bike project and the reason for my passion for all that is wood.

Check it out: the most amazing vintage Colnago, Merckx and Pinarello collection

At what point. if we haven't heard from you, should we assume that I was "right"?

LOL.

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My Renovo R1 wooden bike project and the reason for my passion for all that is wood.

Check it out: the most amazing vintage Colnago, Merckx and Pinarello collection

Doesn't a wooden bike need a hand-carved hard rock maple stem, and bamboo bars ?

what happens to wooden bikes with carbon rims after the heat builds up on a long decent?

J/K

seriously though can we get some more pictures, I looked up that manufacturers website and I'll have to replace my keyboard because all the drool shorted it out...

@mjduct: you can find more pictures on this topic

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=95003&start=105

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My Renovo R1 wooden bike project and the reason for my passion for all that is wood.

Check it out: the most amazing vintage Colnago, Merckx and Pinarello collection

The stem came with aluminum bolts? that's odd.

Anywho, tuning stems gives me the heebie-jeebies and I would never do it. However, as others have said, it is probably overbuilt and can take the hole.

EDIT: the bolts are steel. Just thought it was a bit strange not to sell a ti stem with ti bolts.

_________________
My Renovo R1 wooden bike project and the reason for my passion for all that is wood.

Check it out: the most amazing vintage Colnago, Merckx and Pinarello collection