Advantages of integrated stem?

Just curious - what are the advantages of an integrated stem? Why would I use one in place of my regular stem (both would give me identical rise and length)?

stiffer, it wont twist in a crash (dont know if thats good or bad though) Probbly lighter too .

i was initially a big fan of the integrated stem on my Super T forks

but i'm on my 3rd stem this year already

its not from big crashes but dropping your bars into the dirt

the integrated stem uses 31,8mm bars no way theyre going to bend (i have diablous) and the super t (03) forks crown aint gonna bend, so the stem bends

remember when you fall and your stem twists on the steerer, you get out a hex key and straighten the bars up..that force is what bends the integrated stem

the 888 has a new style integrated stem, the top clamps to the top of the steerer, and has 2 bolts into the crown not 4 like super t.s

Ya, definitely no way to twist it since it bolts to the crown (if you do twist, you got bigger problems).

I can't really say one way or the other if it's better, but I like the fact that it was included with the fork so I didn't have to go buy another part :D

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not hearing a lot of advantages - I think I'll stick with my old stem.

what kind of stem do you have not???

ps: if you have it, you might aswell put it to use :eek:

Originally posted by hampstead bandit
**

the 888 has a new style integrated stem, the top clamps to the top of the steerer, and has 2 bolts into the crown not 4 like super t.s **

The crown is still connected to the stem. How does only having 2 bolts instead of 4 prevent it (the stem) from taking the force?

:???:

short of weight savings I don't see any advantage…

The worst part, at least with the '03 zocchi's, is that I don't think you can leave a small stack of spacers above the stem… something I like to do in case I feel like raising/lowering the height of my bars… I don't know… a standard clamp on stem give you a range of adjustablity to experiment with…

Originally posted by some dude
The crown is still connected to the stem.

He said that, and explained there are 2 bolts that secure it to the crown (unlike the 2003 which uses 4) and a new feature where the integrated stem also secures to the steer tube.

You can still leave extra steer tube and spacers above the top crown with the 2003 integrated stem, no problem at all. That way, if you ever wanted to, you could switch to a conventional stem without having to replace a steer tube that you cut too short.

The only real advantage to a integrated stem is that is provides a very solid feel being attached to the top crown. And, for the weirdo's like me, you might like the moto look and feel of it.

It won't change your life, but it's kinda cool.

another advantage is that you can get the stem in a 0mm reach I believe.

Originally posted by DangerousDean
**what kind of stem do you have not???

ps: if you have it, you might aswell put it to use :eek: **

My new Jr T came with the integrated stem, but I already run a 50 mm Kona stem that would put the bars in the same place.

Admittedly, the integrated stem does look cool. But if I was really interested in looking cool I wouldn't dress like such a spaz…

another advatage is when tightening your head set or whatever the fork and bars will always be dead streight.

Only advantage i see is that it comes with the fork you buy..well for Marzocchi anyway…

it's very short, so if you buy a second hand fork that had the steer tube cut too short, the shorter stem would help, it also goes on dead centre everytime, no need to adjust. They also come with shims so you can run both regular and 31.8 bars.

other than that, i cant think of any advantage for them, i would just use normal stems unless your steer tube is too short.