Ultegra/Dura Ace hidden bolt stems creaking?

[rodcad]

I saw an older post about the ultegra hidden bolt stems creaking badly. Anyone know if the Dura Ace ones were any better or worse? Is there a solution to get rid of the noise? I'm contemplating buying a DA in 13cm. Any input is appreciated.

[rodcad]

Here's some pics. I'm contemplating the newer model (pics 3-5)

[8aaron8]

I have both stems in your pictures as well as the ultegra version, and none have any creaking problems. Do you have the right clamp diameter bars in there? Maybe taking out the wedge and putting some oil on the bolt would help?

[rodcad]

I haven't bought one yet, just considering it. I read they can creak, but greasing them up helps. Just wanted some more opinions. Hard to find classic 130cm stems anymore and these are purty. I lucked out and found 2 NOS Nitto Pearls the other day, 1 in 13cm and 1 in 14cm.

[8aaron8]

I would say you should definitely consider one of these, imo they are the nicest looking quill stems made. I have yet to have any problems and one is used every day on my commuter bike. The pearls are great stems too.

[Seramount]

mine had intermittent creaking issues for the first few thousand miles. the problem was absent in cold weather, but became more noticeable in the summer. it was hyper-annoying.

tried using a microscopic amount of grease and fiddling with torque settings, but the creaking would always return.

finally tried putting a small piece of electrical tape at the clamp area and it solved the problem. bars have never slipped, even after hitting some pretty major potholes.

I've had the stem for almost five years and still catch myself admiring its aesthetics.

[jds108]

I have a newer-generation DA in use. It's never creaked. One interesting thing about the DA is that it will take a bar that's anywhere from 26.0 to 25.4. (It's mentioned in the manual that comes with the stem).

I also have an Ultregra in my parts bin just waiting for a bike to use it on.

[stien]

I use a shimano 600 tricolor stem and had the same issue with the right sized bars. I added a bit of soda can shim and its perfect.


http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/23/azusy2u3.jpg

[8aaron8]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Dura-Ace-130mm-039-hidden-bolt-034-stem-vintage-/221422979361?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

saw this and thought of you