Used Bike Part Bingo

[ChristianWong]

On this week's edition of Would You Ride This?:

Would you ride this Enve stem? There are some chips in the carbon and it looks like the steerer clamp area has some irregularities that would prevent it from sitting perfectly flush on the headset (or spacer).

Photos, of course:







Opinions of all shapes and sizes welcome.

[kramnnim]

I'm not very picky, but I'm not sure that I would use it on a bike that I care about.

[weisan]

. Opinions of all shapes and sizes welcome.

you are kidding right?

[ChristianWong]

Originally Posted by weisan

you are kidding right?

You’ll have to fill me in on the joke.

[Ken Robb]

I think the joke may be that Weisan doesn't think a rider should consider riding with a stem that is compromised in any way. OTOH, Weisan-pal may think it looks almost perfect and wonders why anyone would question the wisdom of riding it. Sometimes these things can be confusing.

[BikeNY]

I would never ride a 130mm stem!

[jtbadge]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

I think the joke may be that Weisan doesn't think a rider should consider riding with a stem that is compromised in any way. OTOH, Weisan-pal may think it looks almost perfect and wonders why anyone would question the wisdom of riding it. Sometimes these things can be confusing.

Yeah, just dented and cracked frames.

[jmoore]

I would never pick up those irregularities. I'd ride it

[kppolich]

Ride it, or trim 2cm off it and sell it to me!

[notsew]

I don't see how those chips and dings on an edge could possibly impact the structural integrity of the stem. I would ride that with no reservations.

[KJMUNC]

bigger question: is that a legit ENVE stem or a knockoff. I wouldn't expect that kind of tolerance deviation around the top edge for a stem that costs $$$.

Personally I have stems that are way worse for wear and I have no issues with them.

[CMiller]

Originally Posted by KJMUNC

bigger question: is that a legit ENVE stem or a knockoff. I wouldn't expect that kind of tolerance deviation around the top edge for a stem that costs $$$.

Personally I have stems that are way worse for wear and I have no issues with them.

Same thought here whether that is legit

[R3awak3n]

to me would depend of where it came from... used? by who?
That said, I would ride it if it was mine... I also cannot really see a problem in the pictures you post, looks fine?

[Ken Robb]

I guess I'm falling into the Grant Petersen camp when I say that I worry more about questionable carbon parts more than steel parts due to carbon's more sudden failures. OK, I confess: if I have ANY qualms about a part on a bike I assume the worst and junk it.

[aaronf]

Agree with KJMUNC and CMiller on this one. I've seen/installed 30+ ENVE stems and never had deviation like that. For sure curious if it was "modified" for some reason or just like that all along.
If the latter I'd suspect knock-off and recommend hesitation for use.
If the former, I'd consider facing the top and bottom of the steerer section parallel to each other and (obviously) perpendicular to the steering axis. Granted I'm machinist-inclined and equipped. Let me know if I can help.