inverting a stem with Cantis

[cupcrazy4]

I bought an 08 JTS this year, with a +-6degree stem (110mm I think) and cantilever breaks. When I picked it up, I asked if they could invert the stem (the angle is too high for me) but they said they can't because the bike uses canti breaks.

I want less of a stem angle, but I'm not sure what to do? Any suggestions?

[nowheels]

that does not sound right...... you might have to adjust the brakes a bit.... but it should not matter that much

[justinb]

If you have very few spacers between your headset mounted cable guide and your stem, the cable routing can become an issue. Since position is important over the long term, it may behoove you to search out a long drop cable hanger or a fork or stem mounted version.

[cupcrazy4]

all my spacers (3) are below my headset mounted cable guide. It goes stem--cable guide--spacers. Is there a way to move the spacers in between the cable guide and the stem?

[Creakyknees]

Sure, just take off the top cap, take off the stem, take off cable guide and spacers, re-stack everything in the order you want, tighten it all up.

[cupcrazy4]

but won't the cable tension be too slack, because I've moved the cable guide a few cms closer?

[BillyBob]

yes. Adjust the brakes, no problem.

[Erik B]

Or swap to mini-V brake in the front and gain stopping power and the ability to do whatever you want stem wise.

[justinb]

but won't the cable tension be too slack, because I've moved the cable guide a few cms closer?

Probably yes. You may also find that your front brake cable housing is too short to reach the stop on the newly lowered cable guide. In this case, you'll have to get a longer piece of housing, unwrap the bars, install it, and re-wrap.

I'm a little surprised that the shop put all the spacers below the guide. I've never seen that before. My cable guide sits on the top bearing cup of my headset, as low as it could possibly be.

[mellowdave]

Yeah as stated by the others, the cable guide should go close to the bottom, and I use very few spacers, so I run the housing over the top of the stem to get a straighter run at the hanger, and my brakes will pitch you over the bars. Works G R E A T.