Old school stem size? can you get 20mm as well as 22.2?

[ED209]

Well.... I always thought there was only one size of stem but the SR Stem that shows 22.2 on the shaft will NO WAY GO into this Aero frame that I've got.

Can anyone fill me in on what size different stems can be???

* UPDATED *

I've just compared the sh*t stem that came out of the bike to my SR and its deffo smaller... probably 2mm smaller. Can you get 20mm stems? I should have guessed there would be a problem as the bearing race that goes on the forks was too big and I had to file the sleeve at the bottom of the forks down to make it fit. The headset fitted ok ( as it would with the same threads on a smaller tube ) but the stem is a no go... unless I can get a smaller one.

* 2nd update *

I cleaned up the sh*t stem a bit and it says 21.1mm as the width.

[Munnyella]

May help if you remove your hampton from the fork hole 1st!!!


No idea mate, thought they were all the same.

[brummie]

old bmx are 22.2 as far as i know ed
any signs that the shaft has been rechromed? this can mate the shaft too thick and then no fitty fitty

[waza04]

try undoing the wedge mate! 

[ED209]

old bmx are 22.2 as far as i know ed
any signs that the shaft has been rechromed? this can mate the shaft too thick and then no fitty fitty

nope - just a standard SR stem? not re-chromed.

[ED209]

try undoing the wedge mate! 

... 

[ED209]

Daz Bmx has suggested getting my stem machined down a bit and thats a bloody good idea LOL!  why didn't i fink of dat.

[Glynnyboy]

I have just encountered this problem myself. I have some gen 1 goose forks that a normal size stem won't fit. I am having to have a shaft specially made to get past the problem.

[ED209]

I have just encountered this problem myself. I have some gen 1 goose forks that a normal size stem won't fit. I am having to have a shaft specially made to get past the problem.

boring innit!  these things are sent to try us 

[Glynnyboy]

I have just encountered this problem myself. I have some gen 1 goose forks that a normal size stem won't fit. I am having to have a shaft specially made to get past the problem.

boring innit!  these things are sent to try us 

Yep boring is one of the more tame words . Others involve you having a face like this    and then wanting to get this weapon of choice out to vent some aggression  . Oh well it's all part of the fun.

[Jon The Bassist]

Most Old School stems were 21.2mm.
In the 80s some started going to 22.2mm like on my Haro Group 1.
There could be some early stems that are less than 21.2mm

[Glynnyboy]

Most Old School stems were 21.2mm.
In the 80s some started going to 22.2mm like on my Haro Group 1.
There could be some early stems that are less than 21.2mm

I think your right jon, my goose forks would be one's requiring the early stem size that you mention as a could be.

[steve69]

Just measured a SR ms-422 and it's 20.8 mm

If you need it let me know

[Spen69]

Can't you remove the stem shaft from the POS stem that came with the bike and fit it to the SR you're trying to put on it with a bit of home-made shimming?

(calm down Diggler, I said SHImming not RI...)

[stfc]

How about this, you could take the dremmel to it and smooth a tad of the stem if needed and coat with grease in the frame so it didnt rust solid ... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OLD-SCHOOL-BMX-4-BOLT-HANDLEBAR-STEM-CP-GENUINE-80s-/260733887355?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3cb4f3637b

[ED209]

Just measured a SR ms-422 and it's 20.8 mm

If you need it let me know

My MS-422 is 22.2 so if you are up for a swap or wanna sell then that would be great.

PM on the way mate