Q - Can I flip a Thomson Stem? 
A - You may flip any Thomson stem to create different rise options. The logo on the Stem body will be upside down but you can flip your handlebar clamp so the handlebar clamp logo is right side up.

Q - Are you going to add other colors in the near future? 
A - No, we are not planning to add new colors.

Q - Can I buy a stem direct from Thomson? 
A - L. H. Thomson Co. does not sell any bike products directly to consumers or Dealers. We sell directly to Distributors and OEM's only. Your bike store can order all of our products from our distributors .

Q - Where can I order a stem? 
A - Contact your local bike shop. If the bike shop is out of stock, they can order any of our products from one of our distributors .

Q - What is the cost of a Thomson stem? 
A - See our stem price list for Bike Stems

Q - What is the height of the stem that goes over the steerer tube? 
A - 42.5 mm - 1.675"

Q - What is the minimum insertion length (height) for the steerer tube into the stem? 
A - 35 mm - 1.380" or the top of the steerer tube must extend 1/32" past top of steerer clamp. (See instruction sheet) Note: The insertion length must be measured after any spacers are added below the bottom of the stem.

Q - How does the clamp work? Will it dimple the steerer tube? 
A - The steerer tube clamps pamper your steerer tube. The clamps have a large surface area and go around the steerer tube more than 180°, which prevents steerer tube dimples. The two bolts provide an extra level of security.

Q - I lost my bolts, and I can't find any at the hardware store. Are they special? Where can I get some? 
A - Our bolts have been specially designed to work with the Thomson stem. Our bolts are made of a high strength steel alloy, and go through an extra manufacturing process that increases their fatigue life. Also, Thomson stem bolts are plated to prevent rust and corrosion. Only use bolts that have been tested by Thomson. Contact your local bike shop for replacement bolts.

Q - Can I use Titanium bolts on the Thomson stem? 
A - We cannot recommend any bolts that we have not tested. There are several grades of titanium, and most of the grades are not as strong as the steel that we use in our bolts. The bolts on the Thomson stem are made from a high strength steel alloy, and we add an extra manufacturing process to increase the fatigue life of the bolts.

Q - Will spacers work with the Thomson stem? 
A - Spacers will work as long as your steerer tube is long enough. The steerer tube must be inserted at least 1.38 inches (35 mm) into the Thomson stem after the spacers are in place below the stem.

Q - Can I use a shim with the Thomson stem? 
A - Only use the shim supplied by Thomson. The shim is sold as an accessory and not included with the Thomson stem. Most shims are too short, which will not allow the stem to clamp properly. Also, the standard one slit shims will not tighten properly to maintain head set tightness. Thomson shims are available through your local bike store.

Q - Do you have a Thomson headset cap? 
A - Yes, contact your local bike shop.

Q - What colors are Thomson stems available in? 
A - Black or Silver

Q - What is the difference between a Road Stem and a Mountain Stem? 
A - The main difference between a road or mountain stem is the difference in handlebar clamp diameter. The handlebar clamp area on a road bar is 26.0mm, on a mountain bar the diameter is 25.4mm. There are now also clamp diameters of 31.8mm, also known as oversized. We do not recommend that you mix bars and stems of different types. We insist that you not use a Carbon Fiber road handlebar in a mountain stem or a Carbon Fiber mountain bar in a road stem as the potential for bar breakage would be very high.

Q - The bolts in the steerer clamp of my stem are stuck, what do I do? 
A - The two most common reason bolts become stuck in our stem is severe over tightening of both bolts, and then loosening or removing one bolt all the way before loosening the other bolt. This happens because the remaining bolt is now bearing the load of both bolts. Try tightening the first bolt back down to relieve the load on the stuck bolt and then loosen each bolt a little at the time alternating between bolts until they are both loose.
If that does not work, or if you have stripped the bolt heads you will need to drill out the bolt. DO NOT USE AN EXTRACTOR TO REMOVE A FROZEN THOMSON BOLT. Thomson bolts are special high strength alloy and are stronger than extractors. The extractor WILL break and that will make drilling out the bolt almost impossible.
Using a 7/32nds or 5mm drill bit, place the drill in the hole where the Allen wrench used to fit. Apply even pressure and oil while drilling out the bolt. You are done when you feel and hear a pop, the bolt head should be on the drill bit. You are not trying to drill out the entire bolt out of the stem. Once the head is off of one bolt remove the other bolt or drill it out if it is stripped as well. You may need to tap the clamp to get it out, and then you will be able to remove your stem. The shank of the bolt or bolts will be left in the clamp; use pliers or your fingers to remove them.
Never resort to cutting any part of the stem off of the steerer tube.
Using new stem bolts follow all instructions for reinstalling the stem.