bicycle quill stem
Quill stem or threadless stem?
What is the difference between a quill stem or a threadless stem on this bicycle?
http://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/thehour.htm
I'll disagree....I think threadless headsets (and the stems) are much better than quill types. I grew up with quill stems and still have a bike with that setup, but threadless is so much nicer in many ways. They're usually a little lighter in weight for the system, but we're talking teeny amounts that aren't worth worrying about. The only thing I miss about quill stems is that they looked so much more sexy and sleek. Other than that....out with the old and in with the new.
Quill styles poke down into the fork steerer tube and are held in position by a long screw that pulls a wedge against the tube wall. It works, and their one big advantage is that you can adjust the height of your bars easily within several inches. You can't do this with threadless stems (or only just a little). The downside of quill stems is that if you don't regularly remove, clean, and regrease them, they can seize up in the fork tube and be an absolute bear to remove/adjust. They require a threaded fork tube, which really limits your choices of forks these days. Many shops no longer stock threaded headsets or forks, so if you need one you may have to wait for them to order it in.
Threadless styles are simple. They' also make it MUCH easier to install handlebars and you won't scratch them up in the process. There is a special barbed nut that is inserted into the fork tube after the tube is cut to the proper length for your frame/headset/stem. The fork pokes up through the headset, the stem and any spacers slide over the tube, and a simple top cap with a bolt tightens into that barbed nut. There's very rarely any issue with removal or adjustment, and you don't need grease anywhere except the top cap bolt threads. If the fork tube is left a little long (within standard limits), you can use spacers to adjust the heigh of the bars/stem up or down....but not much, and only if you leave the tube long. Most new bikes have the forks cut short, so if you want more height from them you have to choose a different stem and/or handlebar.
So....both will work, but I'd recommend that you go with the threadless setup unless you just want the minimal look of the quill stem. Hope this answers your question. 
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Bicycle Maintenance & Repairs : How to Install a Quill Stem for Your Bike
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