Hi,
I am looking to replace the stem on my 2017 Cervelo S3 (image included below for reference - not my actual bike) and really like the look of the modern aero/integrated stems and associated spacers (apologies off the bat if the technical terminology used throughout is incorrect, will do my best to try explain what I am referring to) that come standard on today's new bikes.
See examples below for reference of desired look:
As the Cervelo S3 is an aero frame, I think adding an aero stem and spacers would greatly add to the aesthetics of the bike overall, however I am having some difficulty finding a stem, spacer and headset top cover/cap combination that would be compatible with the frame. Note that the Cervelo S3 frame is not compatible with integrated cable routing (as far as I have been able to uncover), so not looking for an integrated solution, merely after the look/aesthetics of an aero front end.
The frame has a standard round 46mm headset/headtube (currently has the stock FSA headset installed as came with the bike), so would need to find a solution which is compatible.
I have found two possible stems which may work, however not sure if I am missing something before I pull the trigger:
i) FSA/Vision SMR stem - https://www.fsaproshop.com/products/fsa-smr-acr-stem
From what I have been able to find, this requires a 56mm top cap/cover, so unsure as to whether this would be compatible.
ii) Deda superbox - https://dedaelementi.com/superbox-bike-stem
This comes standard with a 56mm and 46mm top cover/cap, so think this may be the solution - unfortunately a bit hard to find in SA and majority of international vendors appear to be out of stock in 100mm.
Alternatively, BicycleGarage has a Farr Aero stem (https://bicyclegarage.co.za/products/farr-handlebar-stem-aero-10 ) which could work (and is locally available) however Farr have confirmed that this only comes with a 10mm worth of aero spacers and they are not available separately (would likely need 30-40mm worth of spacers for current set up). After market aero spacers can be sourced online, but its obviously very difficult to try find ones that will align and not end up looking fugly.
Is there anything else I should be considering before pulling the trigger? Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
