Help me identify this screw that was rattling in my bike today...

[ravdg316]

When I got home, I tapped the stem/handlebar/shifter area and this fell off the bike. I felt it rattling on the ride. What in the heck is it??

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1697994787


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[BobbyJones]

Looks like a top cap / compression nut.

[Gummee]

you have any buddies that have been snickering at your puzzled looks while you're trying to discover that strange sound?

That looks like a classic 'spare bolt in the bars' prank

M

[charliedid]

you have any buddies that have been snickering at your puzzled looks while you're trying to discover that strange sound?

That looks like a classic 'spare bolt in the bars' prank

M

Haha. I was thinking the same thing.

[oliver1850]

Nothing that I recognize. Looks something like a dropout adjusting screw (with odd thread pitch) but that's the only example I can think of with that length of thread on a bike. I wouldn't have thought of the prank angle.

[thwart]

Unless you use the bar plugs that have a screw to tighten them in the bars.

Otherwise the prank thing rises to the top...

[Bentley]

Not sure how that prank works since he said nothing about taking out the bar end plugs out of the handlebars... but help me understand. 😀

[peanutgallery]

Hot dog in the seat tube has always been my go to prank

[Nomadmax]

Did you buy the bike at IKEA? There should be a small Allen wrench in there as well ;)

[merckx]

That bolt goes through the Z spring, then R coil, then carrier spool before attaching to the seuss anchor.

[Hilltopwalters]

My coworker did this to me recently, I was not amused. I took it and put it in his bars.

[tv_vt]

Well, seriously, have you checked to see you have all 4 of your stem/bar bolts intact? How about the two bolts holding your stem to steerer tube? Top cap compression bolt still there? And, this is a long shot, are both of your brake/shift levers tight to the bars? There is a bolt in each of them...

Looks too big to be computer mount-related, but there is that. Not sure what the cockpit of your bike looks like. Maybe post a photo?

And finally, have these crazy times gotten to you? In other words, are you sure you don't have a few screws loose? ;)

Ps. few more thoughts - it looks new. The black paint on the head looks untouched.
And, what size hex/allen key does it take? (The RD limit screws on Shimano drivetrains mentioned below are all 2mm these days. This looks bigger - more like 4mm.)
And, with the curve on the bottom of the head, it looks like it works with a curved washer, which is often used in seatpost clamps and seatpost collars.

[jtbadge]

Do your bar end plugs have expanders? This could be the bolt for those.

[rePhil]

Rear D Low limit screw.

[duke]

End Adjust Bolt? Assuming you have a Shimano drivetrain.

[robt57]

I feel like I have seen this based on the taper/bevel of the head.

[gbcoupe]

The head is partially painted. I'm leaning more towards Ikea. I don't think that's a part form your bike.

[robt57]

The head is partially painted. I'm leaning more towards Ikea. I don't think that's a part form your bike.

Not to mention there is nary even a little tool/key mark in it. As in not actually ever installed in anything.

Which does not mean it did not get dropped while wrenching if a real bike part fastener, and juts a nutha one grabbed.

Maybe the ikea concept will jar my feeble mind, definitely seen this before...

[jc031699]

Kinda looks like one of those brake reach adjustment screws from a mountain bike lever


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[charliedid]

When I got home, I tapped the stem/handlebar/shifter area and this fell off the bike. I felt it rattling on the ride. What in the heck is it??



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Do you have children?

[Velocipede]

If it was in the handlebar, it's most likely the screw to expander a bar end plug. It's just like the one Supacaz uses.

[C40_guy]

I found a similar bolt on my garage floor. Thought it was from my Gorilla Cart, but nope.

Wonder if it's just the universe screwing (or unscrewing) with us...

[Black Dog]

Edit. Well done Paceline super sleuths!!!! :banana:


I love these threads where the OP posts a mystery then mysteriously disappears and leaves us hanging. :rolleyes:

[Jaybee]

If it was in the handlebar, it's most likely the screw to expander a bar end plug. It's just like the one Supacaz uses.

Just went to my parts shelf to check - it's a Supacaz bar end bolt.

[charliedid]

Just went to my parts shelf to check - it's a Supacaz bar end bolt.

Pic please :)

[robt57]

Hmmm....

[ravdg316]

To those of you who guessed Supacaz plug expander, you're absolutely right. Well done. Had to shake the plug out of the handlebars and now my handlebars have one plug and one no plug. Beausage?

[dookie]

you have any buddies that have been snickering at your puzzled looks while you're trying to discover that strange sound?

That looks like a classic 'spare bolt in the bars' prank

M

My favorite Ford v Ferrari scene.

[jc031699]

Hmmm....


Nice!!!!!


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[gbcoupe]

Well damn... I got it wrong, but why do you need screws for end plugs!

Comfort and style has already pushed away most of my weight weenieism. Maybe that's my next step.