Change the old school nuts.

[Milzy]

I put a quill stem adapter on this bike years back. I don’t know how I did it because I don’t have these sized spanner’s. I want to higher up the bars now. Also can I buy something to do away with the two big ugly nuts? Give the early 90’s a more modern look?

 

[Sharky]

They are not the nuts you want.

If it's a quill adaptor, there should be a big nut at the top of the stem.

Slacken just a couple of turns and pull the adaptor out. May need a clout on the nut to free the wedge up.

Don't undo the nut completely, as the bolt could come out, leaving the wedge behind.

 

[Milzy]

The modern stem is fitted on the adapter above fine. I just don’t want those nuts.

 

[Sharky]

Those big nuts tension and lock the headset bearings, so alas you need them.

 

[Milzy]

Those big nuts tension and lock the headset bearings, so alas you need them.

I guess. I like classics but some of the old tech is a work of art and some of it just ugly.

 

[oldandslow]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like my old-style headsets, although I have fitted quill adaptors as mentioned with most of them.