Orient Express - Cheap Chinese Rims / Wheels / Forks / Frames / Cranks / Etc

what’s preferable to Thomsons?

A forged stem from any reputable manufacturer, e.g. (non-exhaustive, no particular order) Pro, Deda, 3T, Kalloy, BBB, Ritchey, Cinelli etc.

I think specifically the X2 suffers from more cracked face plates than is acceptable, which is not a surprise when you look at the design.
Milling from billet is inherently inferior to the near-net-shape forging which the shape of stems allows for, and which is used by most serious makers.

I googled after I asked you and found quite a few instances of the faceplate failure. Hadn’t heard about this until now.

Interesting about the manufacturing process. I wonder what their reasoning behind it is. Seems like near-net-shape forging would cost less that milling entirely from billet?

Interesting, I've always stuck to the x4 stems, tightening in an X to spread the load evenly, never had issues. I assume X4 are made more durable

I wonder what their reasoning behind it is.

Americans init. They fucking love milling.

Seems like near-net-shape forging would cost less that milling entirely from billet?

Depends how many you're making. Upfront tooling cost is much higher for forging, but flyaway cost is much lower. Milling starts expensive and unit cost barely comes down however many you make, forging starts ludicrously expensive but the unit cost falls off a cliff once you ramp up the volume.

L H Thomson are an aerospace subcontractor specialising in milled components, they basically had to invest very little to use spare spindle time to launch a bicycle stem, and could do it in an arbitrarily large range of lengths, angles and clamp diameters without adding to the tooling cost.

Wow, I had no idea they produced things for the aerospace industry. According to Wikipedia, 70% of their business is producing aerospace parts. Can’t believe I didn’t know this.
It explains why they are unlikely to move away from machining then.

Especially when they have the brand they do and can charge what they do

The x2 is an exceedingly good looking stem though, as the Paul boxcar

Wow i learned something today. Thanks for sharing.

New Spexcel deep winter bib tights Xl with packaging. Worn once and washed, too small for me. £30 posted, saves waiting 6 weeks for them to arrive!

just got delivery of these, thinking the sizing would be like their bibs (size down 1)... far from it. these fit like a medium if anyone is keen? £20 posted as one of the small reflective strips on the back has come away (could be ironed back on)

Any thoughts/experience regarding carbon flat bars for XC on Aliexpress? Brands to avoid?

Anyone got a Theragun recommendation?

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4000539581222.html 'long drop' caliper arms for 'ee' brakes...

i think you're meant to tag user @amey in posts like this

Is there a forum approved AliX copy of the Specialized Power saddle?

I have the real McCoy and looking to buy another.
I’m curious if it’s worth a punt with a copy. I think I already know the answer here but wondering if anyone has experience of a decent copy?

I did try a copy once but quickly got rid and went back to legit ones as it just wasn't the same. Wasn't a terrible saddle but just didn't work for me the way the legit one does

Yeah I was actually coming back here to edit my post…
Couple videos on YouTube about the fakes has already put me off. Seems they aren’t likely to have the exact same dimensions as my real one, so probably not worth a punt even at £13

Anyone have recommendations for integrated bar/stem combos? i like the look of the bontrager one but too pricey for me

https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/371831/#comment16368609

Picked up a Rockfish Stem Adapter. Uncomfortably light. Looks nice tho

1 Attachment

My experience with such an adapter unfortunately did not end well.

Ouch!

On the AliEx link it said for balance bike. Maybe it is not intended for adult use!

It's a shame if you have a retro Raleigh with a 21.1mm steerer, because the Muqzi/Rockfish 20.8mm quill adapters are the only ones that will fit.

The "just for kids" description seems to have been added relatively recently after the complaints of failures started coming in.

I ordered a pair of these but they don’t work with my pump mount, which is non-negotiable.

Would anyone like to buy them? PM if interested. SOLD

Is that £26 each?
I would like them but not sure 50 quid like them

i'm interested if you can post :-) pm'd