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Thanks for your reply. The heat theory sounds pretty correct, like sticking alloy parts in a freezer for a bit to ease installation
ghostface-
If its an aluminium stem in a steel frame, the heat method won't work. Aluminium expands faster than steel under heat, you will just get it more stuck.
Last option is to cut through the quill where its vertical so you just have a stump sticking out. You should then be able to remove your headset and take out the forks. Then you can take your time cutting out the stem without a frame hanging off it.
PhilDAS
My LBS managed to get mine loose once with the help of a blow torche. Don't know exactly what he did, but I presume heat up the stem as I told him I didn't need it anymore. Paint (of the frame) was unaffected afterwards.
Something to do with heating up both the stem and the steerer tube, them both expanding due to the heat and then the stem shrinking more rapidly because of alloy vs steel? Someone with more knowledge/experience should correct me if I'm wrong though.