DK stem ID

[Mikku]

Hi guys! I'd be grateful for some help on ID-ing this DK stem that I recently picked up:-





I particularly want to know what date/era it's from plus, having never owned a DK before I'm also surprised how small it looks. My first thought was that it was a mini but I think (and bloody well hope) the measurements suggest otherwise. They are:-

base length - 3 5/8"
base and cap width - 1 1/2"
cap length - 2"
bolt length (total, end to end) - 6 1/8"

From reading stuff over on the Museum I think it's a later rather than an early model/generation and a standard (or pro) rather than a mini but anyone have any other ideas? 

Thanks in advance! 

Mick

[griff]

although they come up narrow I don't think it's a mini, looks like a pro to me but someone who still has one will be able to confirm
I used to have the same one/similar on my old haro - can't remember the age but think about 89?

Nice stems though, regret selling mine now as I need a stem again

[Dannywhac]

Yeah Griff - they're the one's DK used up until they brought out the 1 1/8" ahead ones - rounded shoulder = mid school 

[snoopy72]

It's about 88-90,  looks like a pro xl with original hardware

[Dannywhac]

Can be later than '90 - you could still get em with the old DK logo and rounded ends until 94ish give or take.

[Mikku]

Thanks for the replies guys!

So pulling all that together, it looks late 80s/early 90s Pro-ish! I was after something earlier but at least it's not a mini!!

[glenboy]

Info above is all correct 👍, the rounded top and rounded corners started late 89 onwards my own feeling is the one you have is early 90s

[Mikku]

80s I can live with but 90s makes it mid-school (in my books at least), in which case I might have to push it in Griff's direction!

[snoopy72]

You need a DK square, I like them,  grip really well compared to other stems.

[Mikku]

You need a DK square, I like them,  grip really well compared to other stems.

Yeah, that's why I went for one. I had Suntour Power stems bitd but remember having issues with them, so thought I'd try a DK instead. 

[pickle]

could do with an early square one myself 

[Mikku]

So I've now picked up an earlier square one and was quite surprised to see the difference in size:-



I know these look and are quite small for a Pro-sized stem but the measurements seem to pan out ok:-

base length - 3 1/8"
base and cap width - 1 1/2"
cap length - 2"
bolt length (total, end to end) - 6 1/8"

It doesn't have the key hole underneath so I'm not sure what generation it is, but in any case I like it! 

[Gnarlyscoots]

Yes buddy 

The one on the left is indeed an early 80's standard Pro sized stem, known as 'square cornered'. DK, meaning Dad and Kid, do come up small compared to other Pro stems, but so do Torker stems. I have one on my TA 

As previously stated, the right one is second generation, mid school lushness, and is an XL model.

[Mikku]

Thanks Terry!

[john4130]

i have one rounded one with the exact same measurements as your square one and its unstamped. anyone have an idea on the year and model.

[Mikku]

I don't know too much about the round top ones (hence this post!) but on the face of it that sounds like a late 80s/90s pro model. What's throwing me is the lack of a DK stamp/engraving. Did some of the later ones have a sticker instead? Or maybe the og engraving was lost due to some over-zealous polishing!?! Do you have a pic of it?

[john4130]

i don't think it's been over polished as i've had it nearly 20 years, my brother bought it along with a set of homeless bars from someone. i'm thinking it may be a homeless stem, as i think they used dk stems with a homeless sticker on the top cap.

[dinglem]

Harbor Lite in the US also used unstamped DK stems, and eventually started drilling the out where the DK stamping usually is.

[CustardLips]

Pretty sure Elf used unstamped DK stems too... stickered up as their own.