Topic: Bent steering stem

[aminemed]

Hi guys

i've posted in another topic about my recent accident (my 750 k2 hit the wall) and i posted pictures of some damaged items in my bike: rim, rearsets, etc.. Today, after removing my forks, i discovered that my lower tree is bent. Left hand side clamp is higher than the right hand side clamp. I did not measure the height difference, but i was able to detect it.

I'd like have your opinion on the security aspect of taking this steering stem to a machinist and have it repaired. I know for instance that most of you advised on not repairing my alloy rim, but what about this height correction ? would be wiser to go for another used steering stem ? many thanks for your feedback

[aminemed]

I just figured out, when reading your answer, that i've made a big mistake in my first topic. It is not the steering stem that is bent, but the lower tree / stem.

[MoMo]

You should be able to find one on ebay, replace it...Larry

[754]

 Cheap on ebay, but fairly easy to tweak
 Install tubes in tree, clamp one in vise with padding. Clamp where the headlight  mounts go, with an inch of tube sticking past vise jaw.
 Now eyeball forktubes, use a snipe to bend the tube, and keep checking with the top triple tree.

[Patrick]

If this was a rare or expensive part I could see taking a chance on a repair, but they are easy to find and usually cheap. How well do you trust you handiwork on a part that keeps your face off the road?

Patrick

[aminemed]

I will look for a replacement

Any K0-K6 is good for me ? I have a K2 unicorn triple tree.

[754]

KO 69 to 76 should be fine.
 Try to get one with the bottom race and rubber seal on the stem. Sometimes when folks remove them they cut in or mark up the stem.