Best bike stems according to redditors

Cut your steering tube as short as normally would for a threaded stem (IE, near flush with the top of the locknut) and then pop in one of these instead of a quill stem. That will let you run any modern stem you want.

>into

>https://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Threadless-Size-Converter/dp/B0028N14GQ

The product title portion of the URL can be dropped also if you're going for the shortest link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028N14GQ

They make stem extenders. [Use at your own risk](http://www.Bike.com/ Fork Stem Extender Aluminum Alloy Adjustable Handlebar Riser Adaptor for Mountain Bike, Road Bike, MTB, BMX, Fixie (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GPNX39Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sSPiDbD224RAQ) If you're doing this for your child, you might consider just buying a bigger bike. If you're lucky you have a bike co-op near you that has used kids bikes for reasonable prices. Mine sells these little treks for $40.

Pretty sure this is the same stem but for way cheaper

I used a 1” threaded to 1 1/8” threadless adapter. This allowed me to use any modern handlebars. Below is a link to the one I used.

Profile Design Threadless Size Converter (1 - 1/8-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028N14GQ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I'm 6'1" and like a somewhat upright position on my commuter bike. I also have several MTB's.

It's my impression that you may need to do a little customizing with aftermarket parts to get exactly what you want.

When you say mostly pavement, and maybe gravel roads, that would normally put you in the category of cyclocross bikes, "gravel" bikes, commuter bikes, etc.

However, you also mentioned getting tires as "thick" as you can get them short of being actual "fat bike tires."

So let's start with a discussion of wheels and tires.

What is Mid-Fat or Plus?
There's a genre of mountain bike called mid-fat or "plus" tire size. They are typically either 27.5" X 3.0~ish, or 29" X 3.0~-ish. Watch this video to figure out what I mean:
https://www.bikemag.com/gear/mean-27-plus-29-plus-bikes/

These tires would do great on Chicago snow. However, these type of rims and tires would absolutely only fit on a mountain bike specifically designed for wide-tire spacing.

So, what is "cyclocross" or "gravel bikes."?
https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/205556-cyclocross-bikes-v-graveladventure-bikes-whats-difference
They are road bikes (with the roadie look of curved drop handlebars) with wider-than-normal and grippier than normal tires. However, these tires are still narrower than any typical MTB. Although these tires would be great for wet conditions, bad roads, gravel roads.... I imagine they would not do much for snow.

https://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bikes?WheelSize=27.5%22+%2b

One issue with new mountain bike design is everyone is moving towards a slanting top tube and lower standover, then using tall seatposts to get the bike fit correct for tall riders. A "dropper post" (adjustable on the fly) is great for trail riding when you want leg extension for flats and climbs, but a lower post for rocky/rooty descents (or jumping).

So......... if you were to get something like the Kona Unit X,
https://www.jensonusa.com/Kona-Unit-X-Bike-2018 , I would suggest first getting the longest seat post you can buy. Or maybe even a dropper post. I bought a 170mm one recently.

Next you said you want an upright position. For that, you'll want taller handlebars. You could just get an angle-up stem like this https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Bicycle-Handlebar-Suitable-Mountain/dp/B075FL98Y8/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=riser+stem+31.8&qid=1554328430&s=gateway&sr=8-4 but that only raises the handlebars like 3-4 inches. Frankly, at 6'5", to get a very substantial upright position, I would recommend BMX handlebars. I have a 29"er myself, which I put 8.25" BMX handlebars on, and it feels great.

Right now there is a trend of big-retro-BMX-style setups like the SE Big Ripper. A lower-end company called Framed jumped in and made a 29" wheel BMX: https://www.framedbikes.com/products/framed-x-spacecraft-29er-bmx-bike-mens
If you put these SE 7" rise bars on that Kona, it could be cool.
https://www.jrbicycles.com/se-super-big-honkin-handlebar-chrome

Then you'll need a BMX stem because the clamp area on BMX bars is 22.2 instead of 25.4 or 31.8 on MTB.
This stem would be a budget option, but there are others that are in the $45-$80 range:
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Ops-DefendR-BMX-Stem/dp/B004TN08YC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=bmx+stem&qid=1554328284&s=gateway&sr=8-5

If you don't want a BMX look, that's fine, I get it. Frankenbikes are not for everyone.

Typically frame builders made long head tubes for tall riders' bikes, rather than raising the handlebar height. Check out this old school tall dude's bike. He still has drop handlebars (I guess for aesthetics... but the head tube and seat tube are very tall. https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/1bzc88/and_i_thought_my_64_cm_bike_was_large/

Cheapo Wake brand off Amazon. I have a few. Very nice for $9

https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Mountain-Handlebar-Bicycle-Aluminum/dp/B07413ZRM6/ref=sxin_3_sxwds-bia-wc1_0?keywords=wake+stem&pd_rd_i=B07413ZRM6&pd_rd_r=29b5e1d8-0623-499f-a2b1-4e7a13f0d839&pd_rd_w=5KqLZ&pd_rd_wg=SiBru&pf_rd_p=39e7c2a0-69e1-4a3f-8d8f-4c4ee1aefdb5&pf_rd_r=DV5FHN8ERC15SR2WAG3R&psc=1&qid=1569514883

Won't need a new fork or headset, just a new adapter, and a new stem.

Out of curiosity, what Centurion did you pick up? I have an old '86 Time Machine I've been thinking about converting.

While that would work it's not very elegant.

I suggest you start by flipping the stem to angle upwards would increase the handlebar height by about 2.5cm. If that's still not enough, you could try a stem like this.

this sounds like a great way to get some very expensive dental work

Buy an origin8 removable-faceplate riser quill stem (if it's a 25.4mm clamp on the bars) and a cheap cable hanger for the brake

Looks like you stripped the hole. The easiest way to fix it would be to get a new stem with a quill as you have a threaded headset like the one in the link, but you will need to choose the right diameter handle bars you have. The link is for a 25.4mm handlebar but yours may be different.

Origin8 Classique Sport Quill Stem, 150 x 100 x 25.4mm, 1" Fork Diameter, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B138POS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VH2PAbZVWFAJ9

or keep using your old fork with an adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Threadless-Size-Converter/dp/B0028N14GQ

Thanks! This stem adapter and this cable hanger.

You need a 1" quill stem or a threadless adapter like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0037N6PEC?pc_redir=1412262710&robot_redir=1

The adapter lets you use modern bars if you do desire, as there are no quill stems for 31.8 bars.

It's a Origin8 "Classique"

There's also this one, which I probably would have gone with if I'd seen it first. Looks a bit more retro

Unfortunately you can't easily make the handlebar higher easily You could use something like this

https://www.amazon.ca/Delta-Cycle-TD3318B-Bicycle-Raiser/dp/B000FGYKWS

As for the fork the adjustment just locks out the suspension is all.

Still it's a great find for $60.

I fished your comment out of the spam bin. I don't know how I can make automoderator stop removing these.

Your comment was in the spam bin because you posted an Amazon link which was ugly.

https://www.amazon.com/Extender-Aluminum-Adjustable-Handlebar-Mountain/dp/B07GPNX39Z/ref=asc_df_B07GPNX39Z/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312065280674&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1272423639398127148&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033318&hvtargid=pla-654456899925&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=62425943472&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312065280674&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1272423639398127148&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033318&hvtargid=pla-654456899925

Is literally the path you linked.

Nobody needs all that tracking crap

Please, in the future, trim off all Amazon tracking after the product number:

https://www.amazon.com/Extender-Aluminum-Adjustable-Handlebar-Mountain/dp/B07GPNX39Z/

See? Simple trim.

If you want to be the belle of the ball also remove the worthless (and spoofable) description:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GPNX39Z/

but I understand how that takes a lot more work and can be a pain to do on mobile.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LNBC494/ref=sspa_mb_hqp_detail_mobile_aax_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Get a "handlebar raiser" if you want to make it higher.

ex. - http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Pro-Stem-Raiser-Black/dp/B007WEQIT4/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1449779893&sr=1-1&keywords=handlebar+raisers

OTOH, to lower, just move the spacers to the top instead of bottom.

This is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071LLR8PR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The handlebars are Surly Sunrise

The stem is this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YV77R7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It’s a pretty relaxed set up. I may swap it out for something that gives me a little more reach but we’ll see. I’ve only ridden the bike once since I finished it.

Wake MTB Stem 45 Degree 31.8 90mm Bike Stem Mountain Bike Stem Short Handlebar Stem Riser for Most Bicycle, Road Bike, MTB, BMX, Fixie Gear, Cycling ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0772TDTCC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_XFrGhHRY3pAOO

Get one of these. http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-X-Tra-Lift-Stem-Riser/dp/B0037N9YIG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1413549139&sr=8-5&keywords=origin+8+riser

Sweet it looks like a nice bike.

It looks like there's a fair opportunity to make the bike more upright and improve the ergonomics without needing to switch to flat bars.

Most obvious thing would be get a high rise stem like this which will raise the bars and bring them closer.

Then you could look at compact bend handlebars like this bike has, your bike has a traditional bar with more forward extension and a deeper drop. Many people find these bars make a big difference to their comfort riding drop bars.

If you did both that and the stem change I expect you'd notice a big difference.

Finally, you could also add a stem extender that lets you raise your handlebars a couple of inches even higher.

If you did decide to go flat bars it looks like an OK candidate, the bars would still be low vs the saddle though without a stem swap or going for riser bars like this conversion has.

If there's nothing wrong with your fork, and you'd like to keep using it, you can get a threadless/quill adapter (like this) and use it with a modern stem.

I shimmed mine. the shim I used from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ventura-Shim-Ahead-Stem-Silver/dp/B01HIY96Q4/ref=pd_cp_468_1?pd_rd_w=EkJ2p&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=CXS7EPSB4R3BE1585FWY&pd_rd_r=73fdb42d-41c3-4531-8cae-8fabbe237932&pd_rd_wg=8Ca03&pd_rd_i=B01HIY96Q4&psc=1&refRID=CXS7EPSB4R3BE1585FWY

was the same stack height as the stem. think it's around 40mm. I'm sure you can even make one from an aluminum can but I decided to pay a little for a solid shim.

Velo orange has one thats really expensive but there are $25-30 options on ebay and Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Threadless-Size-Converter/dp/B0028N14GQ/ref=asc_df_B0028N14GQ/

​

Or get an adapter to run a modern stem for much cheaper

>EDIT: I think I'm definitely going quill stem at this point. I think I'm also going to see if I can find a NOS Dura Ace fluted seatpost.

Nice.

I like this Origin 8 one, which I saw on a Centurion Le Mans RS around the internets. It was super shiny: http://www.amazon.com/ORIGIN8-STEM-OR8-ALY-22-2x150x100x25-4SL/dp/B00B138POS/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1376492482&sr=8-12&keywords=origin+8+quill+stem

Re: that crank, it still looks like a spaceship part to me.

Can't wait for your build thread! (Oh, in the pic the paint looks pretty good, I'd probably leave it alone.)

Yes, you can use either one of these, but it looks like you'll also need to lengthen the brake cable. If you get the adjustable one I'm posting, it'll pull the bars back to the rider, giving the same effect, and you might not have to lengthen the cable. all these types of products come in different lengths too. Make sure to measure the stem width, usually 1 1/8th across.

https://www.amazon.com/Suncentech-Adjustable-Mountain-Handlebar-Components/dp/B077JXCKB3/ref=sr_1_7?crid=12BFTSCP9YPP1&keywords=bicycle+handlebar+adjustable+stem+riser&qid=1562554708&s=gateway&sprefix=bicycle+handlebar+adjustable+stem+riser%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-7


https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-Bicycle-Extender-Handlebar/dp/B000FGYKWS/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=bicycle+stem+riser&qid=1562555126&s=gateway&sr=8-11

Depends on the frame. My Trek took a 1 1/8 threaded fork which meant I could swap the fork/headset/stem for a threadless one. You're fork is probably 1" threaded so no go. There are a few work arounds like a threadless stem converter, but generally you're stuck based on your frame/fork.

Profile Design Threadless Size Converter (1" - 1 1/8") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028N14GQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KkkWDbCG21VE2

Can anyone comment on this one? https://www.amazon.com/Suncentech-Adjustable-Mountain-Handlebar-Components/dp/B077JXCKB3/ref=asc_df_B077JXCKB3/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312111916046&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15639703477392013726&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030997&hvtargid=pla-404263952538&psc=1

Yeah, I don't see why not. A shim doesn't noticeably effect performance at all, especially on a commuter bike. Something like this will do the job perfectly as an adapter. Or, you can get a new quill. Either way, you'll spend less money by purchasing all that, than buying a new 1" threadless fork.

EDIT: 1" threadless carbon fiber fork.

Something like this might bring it up a little further. It's a 90mm long 45 degree angle stem.
https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Mountain-Handlebar-Extender-Components/dp/B075XJJ4CJ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1506605322&sr=8-12&keywords=31.8%2Briser&th=1&psc=1

Combine it with something like this and it would get even higher.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=51573

5.5" rise 31.8mm clamp bars
https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Group-BX-HB1331855-BK-Maximus-Handle/dp/B00B90HCKQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506606474&sr=8-1&keywords=BX-HB1331855-BK&th=1&psc=1

Another issue you're going to run into is cable length. The cable on your left hand brake looks like it's just long enough to fit the current height. If you push it up with new bars you're going to need a new cable. With a 5" rise I'd be willing to bet you're going to need all new cables. Unless you can do it yourself you may want to sell your bike and buy a Roll like your friends. That's going to get expensive if a shop is doing it.

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-Alloy-Bicycle-Raiser/dp/B000FGYKWS/ A stem riser might help get your existing bars up higher.

It's this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075FL98Y8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I looked everywhere for an inexpensive riser stem that wasn't adjustable, but they were usually really expensive. This one fits the bill perfectly.

I used a stem adapter made my Origin 8! http://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Threaded-Threadless-Quill-Adapter/dp/B0037N6PEC

https://www.modernbike.com/stem-measurements

shows you how their measured

buy a couple of cheap ones on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Bicycle-Handlebar-Suitable-Mountain/dp/B075FL98Y8

find the one that suits you best than return the others & use the one you got or upgrade to something more expensive but not necessarily any better performing.

Make sure you get the proper size (clamp).

Expensive, but sexy.

Nitto makes one too.

Cheap and ugly, but functional.

Is Wake name brand?

I'm 6'4", and about 310 lbs and haven't ridden in years, so yeah, I feel ya. I bought this bike back in February, and I love it. I ended up buying a more comfortable saddle (MTB seats apparently aren't made for sitting?) and this stem riser to raise the handlebars to a more comfortable height. I don't really do any trail riding, but it's nice to have a bike that fits, that can stand up to my weight, and can handle curbs, potholes, tourists, and other road hazards. I'm still getting a feel for what this bike can do and how to do it, but so far it's stood up to my fat ass riding it. I'm sure that it's considered an "entry level" MTB, but for folks operating on a budget like us, I think it's a great bike.

Be prepared to spend a few hours putting it together, and probably a trip or two to the store for a 17mm open-end wrench for the pedals (adjustable wrench is too thick) and a 6mm Allen wrench for a bunch of other stuff. Some Presta-to Schrader valve adapters and a tire guage for Presta valves will come in handy too. I'm on long-term business travel in Key West (rough life, I know) and didn't have any metric tools with me, and had never had a bike with Presta valve stems before. My brother had them on a racer, so I knew what they were, but they delayed my first ride by a couple days.

Well for starters it's definitely a flat bar road bike, so it's not really made to be upright, but I know what you mean. The stock stem is still just way too short.

Here's the stem I went with:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Q3Y9GO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If I remember, I'll take a pic of the bike with it installed so you can visualize the difference. It's significantly upright compared to the stock stem and it's double bolted. The only thing that sucks is you gotta twist the grips off one side of the bars to swap it.

And I dunno about you, but those stock grips were just way too small and I despise anything but lock ons. I went with these for my grips because they were white and matched the bike:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RPY61R9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also plan on getting a new saddle, but I've already been through 3 and can't find anything I like yet. Have you found a saddle that works for you?

I have a 2018 Rockhopper and I replaced the stock 90mm stem with one of these. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074TY97VM/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_200_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=ASGGZJ9EZ62N6ZZCSPYW&dpPl=1&dpID=61G-UwaGYsL


I've had no problems at all with it and I personally like the more upright feel of the shorter stem much more since I'm not trying to win any cross country races.

Riser bars/extra spacers would also help you feel more upright on the bike.

A dropper post will also make it easier to get your weight over the rear wheel on descents. A decent one can be had for around $100.

I put these on my Kilo recently. Only difference is I am using 31.8mm bars.


Shim

Stem

Hm, so since you have had one I'll just show you what I was looking at for a headset (if you don't mind).

Headset

Stem adapter

Stem

Should I go full MTB style? https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Mountain-Handlebar-Bicycle-Aluminum/dp/B074TY97VM

Or stick to race/hybrid style? https://www.jensonusa.com/Race-Face-Ride-Stem

I saw a video where the guys suggested this!

Profile Design Threadless Size Converter (1" - 1 1/8") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028N14GQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Z0ODDbC2E345N

Just get a quill to 28.6 adapter and you can use a standard stem to run 31.8 bars https://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Threadless-Size-Converter/dp/B0028N14GQ/

Depends on where you live. I bought a chromo trek 820 frame in good condition for $30 off craigslist the other day.

I love quill stems with removable face plates. I also love long quill stem adapters with threadless stems clamped on with removalable face plates. I hate not having the ability to adjust handlebar height easily and elegantly without crazy long steer tube sticking up out of the fork.

Look at this beautiful piece of art. If I were a steer tube, I'd want this inside of me.

maybe skip the adapter and go straight for a a 31.8 quill stem https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Pro-Fit-ATB-Stem/dp/B00SZ077E4

No, a threadless fork and tube is larger than a threaded setup so there's really no way you can fit a threadless fork in there. Just put it back together and keep what you have. You can use an adapter to fit threadless stems and such onto a threaded fork, I put a bmx stem and bars on an old hybrid that way.

If you want to make some mods that will be reversible, you can get a quill stem converter (https://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Threadless-Size-Converter/dp/B0028N14GQ), a short mountain bike stem (50-60mm), wide mountain bars, take off the kickstand, and then add some better pedals. I did this to my '91 RockHopper and it made it fun to ride and I was able to convert it back to original. Also, ditch the rack and crate unless you really need it but it looks like it's pushing your seat way too far forward.

That one does not ship to where I am. These three do, which one would you recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Alloy-Bicycle-Raiser-8-Inch/dp/B000FGYKWS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413552672&sr=8-2&keywords=stem+riser

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Pro-Stem-Raiser-Black/dp/B007WEQIT4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1413552672&sr=8-4&keywords=stem+riser

http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-Bicycle-Handlebar-Extender-Adaptor/dp/B00LM34GQI/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1413552672&sr=8-16&keywords=stem+riser

You could get a 1 1/8 stem and use a shim to open up more options with 31.8 handlebars.

You might want to think about one of these.

I've gone both ways on this, working from pretty much the same motivation as you with my intent, frankly, being in large part wanting the more modern look.

I put a new fork and a threadless headset into an old Ibis and it worked fine but cost me some money and didn't have any functional advantage over the adapter approach I took on a Giant Rincon of the same vintage. If I were doing it again I'd probably shell out the $20 for an adapter and the $15 for a 1 inch headset and I'd see if that got me where I wanted, because if it didn't I could always go back and do a 1 1/8 fork...

The adapter is a Profile Design and the stem manufacturer escapes me right now, and I'm too lazy to check, but a moderately priced stem will do the trick.
The Drops are Soma Portolo and are extremely rad, I can't say enough good things about them.
Levers and brakes are tektro and the shifters are micro indexed on the rear and friction on the front (I forget the manufacturer there as well).
Overall the changes have made a world of a difference on that bike.
I normally ride with Resist Nomad slicks, but then some snow and ice came so I switched over to some Suomi Studs and then the snow melted.

Okay, so with $200, assuming I was doing the work:

Wrap handlebars - $11.53 (sweet dark red, cause the red on there looks awesome already)
Cheap 700c wheels from co-op - $20? (Talk with them about the gearing to see if the range is the same, or if you want tighter range or whatever, they probably have a few sets there with somewhat different gear ranges on the rear)
Saddle from co-op - $5-10
Tubes/tires - $45 (tires, tubes)
Derailleur cables - $7 (Shimano, here)
Brake cables - $10.39 (Shimano, here)
Brake levers - $22.53 (Tektro RL340)
Brakes - $62 - (Tektro 539 rear, front)
5-speed chain - 7.98 (here)

Then I'd try to get pedals and a cheap but aluminum quill stem, handlebars, and seatpost from the co-op. Depending on where you are, you may be able to get all for $20 or less. Functional new parts suggestions: (not guaranteed to fit. These have all sorts of different diameters over the years/models, so you need to know what you have/need. Handlebars, Seatpost, stem.)

Hey all,

Does anyone know what stem size is compatible with a 53cm 2017 Kilo TT Pro? I can't find this information anywhere.

I want to get this kind of stem (I've already tried 100mm and 90mm because I read those sizes were compatible online):

Thanks!

**EDIT: I can see I was horribly misguided when trying to fit this stem onto the tt pro. It looks look I need some kind of stem adapter - would this work?

You don’t have many options. Either buy the adaptors, some version of this thing or something really nice like this or a cheap one like this.

I've extended steerer tubes on several bikes. The I've owned this bike for many years (it has an old style headset).

http://i.imgur.com/Zef8Dlp.jpg

The parts are readily avalable at Amazon or eBay...

http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Alloy-Bicycle-Raiser-8-Inch/dp/B000FGYKWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415419343&sr=8-1&keywords=steering+tube+extender

The above comes in a short or long version. I've had these on my bikes for quite some time, and no problems.

you've got the wrong fork extender

https://smile.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-Bicycle-Extender-Handlebar/dp/B000FGYKWS/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=stem+riser&qid=1557329666&s=gateway&sr=8-9

You could with something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FGYKWS?pc_redir=1404191801&robot_redir=1


That said, this is the least graceful way to solve your problem

You probably need a stem adapter, not a shim. This will allow you to use any modern stem.

Profile Design Threadless Size Converter (1" - 1 1/8") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028N14GQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kdpDDb90D68MG

You could buy a one of these silly stem extenders. Or Just Buy a new fork and cut your losses.

https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Extra-Lift-Stem-Riser-Black/dp/B0037N9YIG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1468386683&sr=8-6&keywords=stem+extender