A great way to enhance your ride quality is to adjust your riding position by installing a different stem. As this is similar to changing your handlebar, please read the "Handlebar Upgrade" article as well. Stems come in a variety of styles, rises, and clamp diameters. It is important to reference your bike's specs before ordering a replacement stem to ensure it is compatible. In this article, we will go through what each specification means and what you need to know when changing out your stem.
The main limiting factor for changing out your stem is the length of the electronic cables and headlight bracket compatibility. As shift and brake hoses can technically be swapped out for longer ones, there is no way to extend/ lengthen the electronic cables for the e-bike components. If you are unsure of the limitations of the length of your cables, it is usually beneficial to get the opinion of your local Aventon dealer shop. Damage to cables from incompatible parts is not covered by warranty. Regarding the headlight brackets, all headlight brackets are stem-specific and not cross-compatible across every bike/ stem. If a different model stem is installed, you may also need to purchase a headlight bracket that is compatible with the new stem (Figure 1). If they do not, they will need to purchase the compatible headlight bracket. Note: Most aftermarket stems (non-Aventon) will likely not be compatible with the stock headlight bracket). If a new headlight bracket is needed, please contact Aventon customer support and he can help set you up with the correct part.
Note: If replacing the stem on the following bikes, ensure the proper headlight bracket is purchased along with the stem:
-Aventure / Aventure 2
-Level 2
-Pace 500.2 / Pace 500.3 / Pace 350.2 / Pace 350.3
-Soltera 7 / Soltera 2
Headlight brackets can be purchased HERE
Figure 1
Handlebar Compatibility Specifications
-Diameter: The clamp diameter is the center part of the stem that grips the handlebar on the bike. When purchasing a new style of stem, the stem needs to have the same clamp diameter as your current bike, or the stock handlebar will not fit on this new stem. If these measurements do not match, the handlebar will simply not fit into the stem and it will not be able to be secured. Some common clamp diameter sizes are 25.4mm, 31.8mm, and 35mm. This measurement will normally be specified on the stem or handlebar itself but if it is not, it will likely be found in the specs or product info of the product. If your stem does not match the bar size, you can always install a handlebar that matches the new stem's clamp diameter.
The stock bar clamp specs will be listed for all Aventon E-bikes below...
-Rise/ Adjustable Rise: The stem's rise refers to how high up it brings the handlebar. Some stems like the Aventure stem has no significant rise but only a variable length. The Soltera stem has a fixed rise and the Pace 500 stem has an adjustable rise that can be locked in place at different heights. The different stems are shown below:
Aventure (straight) Soltera (fixed rise) Pace 500 (adjustable rise)
Aventon Stock Bar Clamp Specs: (rise and length may vary between models)
Aventure (All): 31.8mm
Level (All): 31.8mm
Pace 350/ 500 (All): 31.8mm
Sinch Step-Over/ Step-Thru: 25.4mm
Sinch.2: 31.8mm
Soltera (All): 31.8mm
Abound: 31.8mm
Ramblas: 35mm
-Stem Installation: Installing a new stem is a fairly simple process for most home mechanics. Required tools are a metric hex key set (4mm and/ or 5mm). Begin by removing the 4 stem faceplate bolts (the headlight bracket would be attached for most models) and remove the handlebar from the current stem on the bike (Figure 2). Some adjustments to the display clamps may be necessary for this step. Once the handlebar is removed, Loosen the two stem clamp bolts (Figure 3 or Figure 5 #1) fully, and then remove or completely loosen the headset preload bolt (Figure 4a or 4b). Next, twist and pull up to remove the stem from the fork's steerer tube. Once removed, install the new stem onto the steerer tube. Re-thread in the headset preload bolt and tighten until snug (Figure 4a or 4b). (Refer to the "Headset Adjustment" article for assistance in tightening the headset). Once the bearings are preloaded, Re-install your handlebar onto the stem and ensure the handlebar is centered in the stem clamp (Figure 6). Position the bar onto the stem and reinstall the faceplate (and headlight bracket, if applicable) following any specifications it may have listed, such as (no gap or torque specs)(Figure 7). While installing the stem faceplate, alternate tightening the bolts in an X pattern to evenly load each bolt (Figure 8). Lastly, align the front wheel straight with the handlebars and tighten the two stem clamp bolts (Figure 3 or Figure 5 #1) by snugging each one a little bit at a time. Alternate while tightening them until both are nice and snug. Once completed, check for safe operation before riding the bike. Turn the bars completely to each side to ensure the cables are not overly stressed. Adjusting the angle of the bars in the stem as well as the angle of the brake levers can all help dial in the comfort and feel of your new cockpit. If you have installed an adjustable stem, you will need a hex key on each side of the adjustment bolt (Figure 5 #3) to loosen and tighten. Ensure you do not adjust it too high for your cables to comfortably reach.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4a Figure 4b
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8