Winter Stems

[EricEstlund]

In addition to building stems for my own bikes, I also make stems for others to cap off their special builds. Recently I have been enjoying a few referrals from other builders and shops. It's a real pleasure to have both the nod from others in the industry, and to help some one bring together that final part of their fit and look.

I build these with relative frequency, and thought I would update this as they come.

First up, a new stem for an 25th anniversary Sachs. After a few years of riding the owner wants a taller position, but with something that compliments the build. Here we go:

Starting the quill:


Fitting parts:


Still hot fillet:


The stem:


Tip detail:


I have a few more stems to build this week, then off to the platers for assorted finishes. I'll post more as they develop.

[soulspinner]

Sweet!.

[roguedog]

nice stuff, eric

[AngryScientist]

i believe custom stems are right up there with any other detail that makes a nice bike a super bike. i admire your work very much Eric, keep up the good work over there !

[EricEstlund]

Thanks guys.

Here is another from today- a pierced quill style. In this case I kept the rear extension closer then usual, and added a slight doming to keep it interesting. The point was also thinned more then usual, which will match the very minimal lugs on the frame it is intended for. A few additions tomorrow, but this is a good place to update photos.

Brazing:


Cleaned up a bit:


The stem:


From the back:


Point detail:


Final detailing tomorrow, then onto a small group of threadless stems.

[William]

Really nice work Eric....as usual. Looking forward to seeing them finished.







William

[maunahaole]

Eric's work is always exceptional. Really tremendous attention to detail.

Eric, how many hours do you have into that stem?

[shortribs]

Thanks for sharing the stunning photos; can't wait to see that gorgeous stem alongside the rest of the build!

[bheight1]

+1

[monkeybanana86]

i want one!

[monkeybanana86]

I lived in Eugene when I was 10 and first came to states! Nicest people that I have met in my life!

[EricEstlund]

Thanks for the kind words!

I'm not sure how much time is involved- they all pose unique challenges, and each is made to order. This week I am trying to catch up on a bit of a stem back log from all of my shows. I've doing finish work on one while the brazing cools on another, or mitering the next, etc. I suspect I'll be pushing hot brass for a bit, and pushing cold brass for a bit more.

Here are a few progress shots of the next two:









Only one of these stems will be for a Winter. The others will be for a Sachs, a Pegoretti, a fixed gear that I'm not sure on and a Tournesol. There is one for a DeRosa coming up soon, too. All in all, good company to keep.

Monkeybannana86- I come from the surly NE, but Eugene has also treated me well. It's a nice place to live. Let me know when your ready, we can make it happen!

[maxwell]

Nice Eric!
I built a stem for my track bike last year with a similar recessed bar clamp binder. I had trouble getting the brass to penetrate into the extension where the binder lays against the bar-clamp portion. Do you run silver in there after brass? How bout on the pointy tip (a personal favorite!) one you have up there? Is that an all-brass connection? Just sweat it up there? Any pointers? Wee!

[EricEstlund]

Thanks-

Those are all brass. No real pointers other then to say a) plan ahead and b) cut a bunch of stuff up. Planning ahead can help with logical heating cycles that help rather then hurt, and cutting stuff up will help you see if your planing (and execution) worked for you.

Working on wrapping up the last two for the plate batch this week- photos to follow.

E

[EricEstlund]

This one for a Tournesol:

Raw steerer fillet:


Cleaned up a bit:


Clamp area and badge:


The stem:


Batch headed to the platers- you'll see these again when they are wrapped up: