Product Description
Turquoise anodized, first generation example of the wild machined stem from Kooka. It was released in 1993 (see 1993 Bicycling Mag new products, in pics), though I don't know when it was switched to the newer version. This first version stands out from every other "Ahead" threadless stem of the era with it's lack of need for a separate top cap. Instead of a hole through the entire stem for the steerer, they drilled a bolt hole in the top of the stem and used the top of the stem as an integrated top cap. The other big difference is the first gen uses a two bolt steerer clamp secured with dual internal wedges while the later stems were a one bolt design.
Often incorrectly called the Kooka I-Beam stem, and akin to the Machine Tech and Critical Racing stems in it's hollowed out CNC machined design (and before them, the 1940's French Rene Herse stem).
This one came to me on a 1" threadless to quill adapter, which handily holds the clamp wedges in place. Use it as it's original intended threadless, or with this adapter stud to use as a quill stem.
Condition
Excellent lightly used shape. No fading to the ano. Some light scratching here and there. The only significant spot is at the top of the bar clamp. Show worthy for a bike with a bit of patina.
Details
- One inch ahead style threadless
- Length: 135mm
- Bar clamp: 25.4mm