Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Pointless Fashion Strikes Again


A few new bikes this year have arrived with handlebar stems with the bar clamp bolts threaded into the face plate from the back. This serves absolutely no practical function. It does add several minutes to assembly time because it's awkward to maneuver wrenches alongside the stem. It's especially fun when you're juggling the bars with one hand as you try to assemble the stem clamp with the other.

3 comments:

RCMC467 said...

Bike builders seem to be constantly trying to offer innovation where none is necessary.

cafiend said...

That's the reason I -- who have worked in the bike business for the past 22 years -- have lots of gray hair while my older brother -- who has not-- has none.

Steve A said...

I imagine that Buycycling Magazine will shortly tell us why we should change over.