The Jim Stem

[Doug H.]

In today's email Will introduced the new Jim Stem. This is an alternative face-plater to the Nitto model due in part to the lack of availability. This reminds me of the introduction of the Tosco bars as an alternative to Nitto made handlebars. I like that Rivendell is offering less costly options just as they have with the tig-welded Clem and soon to come Rosco Platy bike. 

As a fairly frequent handlebar experimenter, the faceplate is nice. And, this should look great on a Clem! Kudos to Rivendell for being innovative.

Doug

Athens, Ga

[Johnny Alien]

For 25.4 clamps there are other Nitto made faceplate options that are finished a bit nicer BUT I am not aware of any other options for 31.8 other than the non-available and pricier Riv Faceplatter stem.  As someone interested in the super wide Tosco this is positive news.

[Patrick Moore]

The stem looks good overall, but I have to say that I don't like those 4 protruding bolts on a skinny 1" steel quill stem; they protrude too much. 

I have had any number of 4-bolt faceplate stems in aluminum in the 1 1/8" size, and there, the bolts don't seem so intrusive.

I will say that I'd buy one of these, other choices in default, but I'd prefer to struggle with the 1-bolt Nitto clamp (and take the shiny aluminum) in place of these.

Still, they're certainly better looking than stock and custom steel black-powerdercoat Salsa stems I bought years ago for my road bikes, Rivendells included.