[eio]

I got a killer deal on an 04 Super T and when it showed up, the integrated stem was included. I didn't know that. Bonus!

Never ridden with one before, but last night I played around with switching back and forth with my 75mm Azonic Shorty to compare the two.

The obvious benefits:
-Shorter stack height
-More precise steering (OK maybe)
-More solid feel

The integrated stem definitely felt more solid and obviously less chopperado than the Shorty. They are roughly the same length as the integrated can be adjusted, so thats not an issue.

But, before I lop off my steerer tube, is there anything I am overlooking about this?

Anybody got feedback about their preferences?

Thanks mucho.
_______________

 

[biggins]

i love using the integrated stem on my 03 junior-t it has performed flawlessly in all situations and seems very responsive. i like it.

 

[hardtailer88]

dont use it, sell it to me

 

[Scurry]

the only downside I could see is if you bend your lowers, you cant adjust you stem straight for the time being.

 

[Peete]

I was in the same boat last year w/ an 03 SuperT. Hands down I prefer the integrated stem. It's nice to pick up the bike after a crash and the bars are still straight.

 

[J]

Just be sure that your not getting a new frame for a while. Chances are the steerer wont fit perfectly. I have an integrated stem on my Shiver and instead of cutting it I threw in a whompin spacer. Also it might be an issue when you sell it?

-J

 

[Bicyclist]

I always use lots of extra spacers... it's better to have too much than too little.

 

[Cave Dweller]

I cracked a leg and crown on my dorados using the intergrated stem. In a crash the handlebars do not twist so the load has to be transfered somewhere.

Also, with the supers the lowers are cryogenically put together, if you do happen to twist the lowers and the crowns in a crash you will not be able to get it straight ever again.

I will never using an intergrated stem again, not worth the risk of screwing your forks. My 2 cents.

 

[preppie]

I cracked a leg and crown on my dorados using the intergrated stem. In a crash the handlebars do not twist so the load has to be transfered somewhere.

Also, with the supers the lowers are cryogenically put together, if you do happen to twist the lowers and the crowns in a crash you will not be able to get it straight ever again.

I will never using an intergrated stem again, not worth the risk of screwing your forks. My 2 cents.

Yep, that's correct.
When I bought my 04 Super-T this week-end, the shop guy told me that it's better NOT to use the integrated stem when you crash a lot. He had seen a lot of integrated stem forks with twisted lowers and no guarantee with this kind of failure.

The solid feel and snappy response is very good with an integrated stem, but I prefer a straight fork and a twisted stem than visa versa.

 

[me89]

the integrated stems are deffinatly a big help with flex. they are much stiffer and do provide better response from your front end. but like cave dweller said twisted lowers arent a good thing so what you can do is to get a burlier than the shorty stem like the race face diablous, or the azonic equillizer. both are very stiff and strong and will take a long time to snap in a crash. im running a diablous on my super t and im loving it. i have had no probs with it and its very stiff.

 

[Fulton]

run lots of spacers, and stop using the integrated when the warranty expires!

 

[Bicyclist]

or you could just not ever crash and you would have all the benifits of the integrated stem.
..

 

[dfinn]

or you could just not ever crash and you would have all the benifits of the integrated stem.
..

This is what I do. It actually works best if you don't ride the bike and just admire the rugged looking integrated stem.

 

[sirsleepsalot]

Have any of you guys who stopped using integrated stems have some from your marzocchi fork ?

I kinda need one as the steertube is just too darn short to use a standard stem.

Fork is a Shiver, but I believe all marzocchi forks have the same hole pattern except for the 888 or something.

 

[Curb Hucker]

All marzocchi forks use the same standard mounting, except the 888.

My friend was running an intedrated stem on his '03 Super (cryofit lowers) and he cased a 25' double, he ended up ok, but twisted the fork bad. We were able to twist it back to damn near straight, he has had no further problems. But if you're going to be wrecking alot on DH trails, I'd say go with the regular stem. Leave about 1 in of steerer above the upper crown with spacers on it if you use the integrated stem.

 

[DIABLO]

I cracked a leg and crown on my dorados using the intergrated stem. In a crash the handlebars do not twist so the load has to be transfered somewhere.

Also, with the supers the lowers are cryogenically put together, if you do happen to twist the lowers and the crowns in a crash you will not be able to get it straight ever again.

I will never using an intergrated stem again, not worth the risk of screwing your forks. My 2 cents.

Has'nt the 04' got a bolt securing the lower crown's?

 

[TWISTED]

Has'nt the 04' got a bolt securing the lower crown's?

Yes the '04 Marzocchi DCs have pinch bolts holding the stantions tight.
I vote for the direct mount stems. I don't want a crooked stem on my bike.

 

[sirsleepsalot]

Um... don't all marzocchi DCs have pinch bolts ? Not just the newer ones ?
Cuz, I seem to remember monster Ts and my 01 shiver all having pinch bolts. I don'T know about junior / super t though....

 

[DIABLO]

No up until 04' the junior/super t the lower crowns were cyro fitted.

 

[James | Go-Ride]

Only 2003 Super T and Junior T forks had the cryofit stanchion/lower crown interface.

Leave some extra room on your steerer. This way if you want a different stem in the future you can do it, and if you decide to sell the fork to somebody who wants a stem or has a large headtube the option will be there.

 

[stgil888]

I like integrated stems. I ran one last year and never had a problem with my bars being crooked. This year I ran a race face stem and after crashing the bars would be twisted. Sometimes after you twist them back they move on you. Next year I'm switching back to an integrated stem.

 

[snipes287]

so wate...if you have a fork with pinch bolts for the upper and lowers then there is nothing to worry about...well...less to worry about in the part of them twisting and not having the ability to fix it.


yes?