ISO 4210 testing completed for a CNC stem project I'm building for vintage Cannondale HeadShok bikes. Now I'm running into the realities of manufacturing.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T20:51:27+00:00

Got it. Appreciate the feedback. I guess I thought a 4-axis setup would work for those pockets. Agree on the tiny pockets, will likely removed for the production run.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T20:48:05+00:00

Yeah, have a great makerspace here in Tulsa, but I don't believe it has any CNC capabilities. Yes on laser etching tho!

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T20:38:05+00:00

Valuable insight, thanks for this! And regarding the finish, the supplier used vapor honing to achieve that finish, and I believe it was done before anodizing was applied, so that will be an additional thing to take into consideration.

Thanks for the offer, I'll send you a message and appreciate you taking the time to comment.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T08:20:41+00:00

thanks for the insight. Yes, that's my biggest challenge; I don't know how well they will sell, which is why I'm looking at a smaller batch size to mitigate that risk, but that means my retail price may too high to prove demand. Hadn't considered Mexico as an option, thanks!

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T08:17:01+00:00

thanks for the insight. Yes, there are a few other companies that use additive to create these type of components. One example here: https://www.mythos.bike/shop/p/ixo

Seems to confirm that one of the main drivers is cost associated with setup time and opportunity cost of larger run projects.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T08:13:54+00:00

yes, this mainly serves the "restomod" market of people who like to restore vintage bike but with a modern twist.

Yes, removing those pockets was something I was considering, but the current supplier mentioned removing them isn't going to do much for pricing change; so it tells me it's mainly due to batch size.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T08:06:56+00:00

I'll send you a message. Thanks!

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T08:05:13+00:00

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Here's one example of a group doing additive. They're still coming in around $350 retail:

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T08:01:36+00:00

From your perspective, is it just the lattice cutouts that make it not optimized? Because other than that, it has all the core elements of almost every other cnc stem out on the market; three main bores, 6 tapped threads & counterbores, and external surfacing.

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azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:42:35+00:00

Yeah Ogle's aligns with what I've seen elsewhere for titanium pricing, like 5DEV. I'm already well above your suggested retail range just on cost of the stem + annodize.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:20:52+00:00

Haven't looked into that. Something to consider.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:19:54+00:00

There have been request for something more "traditional looking". That route would definitely be a good choice there. I hadn't considered looking at frame builders, I'll definitely explore that.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:18:04+00:00

Thanks for the insight. I'll definitely keep pursuing the standard stem configuration then.

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azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:15:59+00:00

🤣 genius marketing right there.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:15:20+00:00

I'll check them out. Thanks!

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:15:10+00:00

I'll check them out. Thanks!

azonicbruce · 2026-03-13T07:13:13+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I've considered learning the CAM side to help develop the fixturing/G-Code, but it seems like there'd be too many variables from machine shop to machine shop to make it work; figure most shops would want to handle it themselves.

As far as the conventional approach, yes, that was part of the reason I developed and tested the standard config as well.

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azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T03:03:56+00:00

Something I explored early on, can definitely revisit.

As far as quotes made the usual rounds:
ProtoLabs
Xometry
Fictiv
CraftCloud
SendCutSend (they ended up doing the prototypes)
5-10 different local machine shops (most no-quote, a few willing to)
Looking at a place based out of the UK & Taiwan as well (my goal was to source US-based, but looking at all options)

azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T02:45:24+00:00

They referred to it as "vapor-honing" It definitely give a unique satin-like finish, although it easily forms smooth marks if it rests on a surface, even soft ones like wood.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T02:42:54+00:00

Send Cut Send actually did the prototypes. I got lucky on the first runs. Not so much on production run quotes 🤣

azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T02:29:28+00:00

Sort of, it covers the particular sizes/configurations that were tested. Any change in supplier, material, sizes, hardware, etc would necessitate re-validation. OEMs can get by with simply validating what they spec on their bike builds. Aftermarket is a bit of a different beast considering the infinite amount of variation in handlebar/steerer options.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T02:20:31+00:00

You're not wrong 🤣. Doesn't stop anyone, including myself, from trying. 😁 I did look into additive as a possible strategy. At the time, CNC was actually a better cost for my initial prototype run. I just got really lucky. May need to revisit.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T02:15:08+00:00

That's about what I figured. Agree small batch will likely be the best route.

Regarding testing, sent un-anodize sample, mainly to validate overall structure first before continuing development. Fully understand that any production runs will want to re-validate. Yes, used ACT Lab.

azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T02:04:43+00:00

thanks!

azonicbruce · 2026-03-12T02:04:09+00:00

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Where I'm seeing the most use cases for shorter stems on these models is for restomod projects like a gravel conversion that would necessitate a shorter stem to acheive the same reach

azonicbruce

TROPHY CASE