Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Stem question?

I think I would like to shorten the stem on my 1999 GT Aggressor will this mess with the handeling of the bike?

Any suggestions on a affordable new one for this model. This bike might have to become my commuter.

Here is a photo

In general, the bike will handle differently, but as soon as you get used to it you won't notice much of a difference.

I think I would like to shorten the stem on my 1999 GT Aggressor will this mess with the handeling of the bike?

Depends on how much you shorten the stem. I, personally, can't discern any difference between the 100mm and 110mm stems I've tried on my road bike. Suspect that another 5-10mm probably wouldn't make much difference either. That said, I'm pretty good about not placing a lot of weight on my hands.

Don't know anything about your bike, but I'm a big fan of the shim-adjustable stems made by Specialized. If you've got a 1.125" steerer tube and oversized (31.8mm) handlebars, they're the way to go.

Shortening stem length will make a small difference in handling, but, not enough to justify tolerating a bad fit. Get your fit right and the bike will be more comfortable to ride and you're highly unlikely to notice any handling changes.

Depends on how much you shorten the stem.

I would like to shorten it quite a bit.

Don't know anything about your bike, but I'm a big fan of the shim-adjustable stems made by Specialized. If you've got a 1.125" steerer tube and oversized (31.8mm) handlebars, they're the way to go.

This is a good idea but I dont have the 31.8 bars.

This is a good idea but I dont have the 31.8 bars.

Unfortunately, I think they discontinued the only version that worked with 25.4mm bars :( You could probably find a shim that would allow 25.4mm bars to work with a 31.8mm clamp, but it probably isn't worth the trouble.

If you just want a stem with a fixed angle that works with 25.4mm bars, they're all about the same. Buy something with a brand-name that you recognize (Easton, FSA, Ritchey, etc), don't spend a ton of money, and you'll be fine.

Thompson?

Any suggestions short and affordable!

I put a Ritchey Fatbone (70mm) on my roadbike tourer; a very nice stem, inexpensive. I have a 50mm Thomson on my MTB tourer, beefy and expensive and a Titec blockhead, 70mm(?) on my 29er MTB, very strong and inexpensive (eBay). I highly recommend the Ritchey Fatbone.

Going from 120 to 70mm takes a little getting used to, but after a few rides it feels fairly natural. Longer top tubes and shorter stems have worked well for me.

Longer top tubes and shorter stems have worked well for me.

Me too, (long torso, short arms)
I use a 90 Specialized.

(That was great until my other vice -- MTBing and associated crashes generated some nasty cervical disc injuries that don't play well with the aero position.

I will now have to get a steeper rising stem or an adjustable stem to get more upright to take the pressure off my neck.)

I went from a 100mm stem to a 60mm stem for fit reasons, and it made the bike handle better for me! Of course there will be a difference but you will get used to it.

or an adjustable stem to get more upright

I have the same issue, if I ride 5-8 hours and want to spend any duration in the drops I just have to have the bars higher. I started using a stem riser extention instead of adjustible stems. I found the adjustible stuff too clunky, creaky, and needless heavy. It's worked very well for me, so wel I put risers extentions are all the bikes I use for long distances. It's a much cleaner visual line too.

or an adjustable stem to get more upright

I have the same issue, if I ride 5-8 hours and want to spend any duration in the drops I just have to have the bars higher. I started using a stem riser extention instead of adjustible stems. I found the adjustible stuff too clunky, creaky, and needless heavy. It's worked very well for me, so wel I put risers extentions are all the bikes I use for long distances. It's a much cleaner visual line too.

started using a stem riser extention????
never heard of this anyone have a pic?

started using a stem riser extention????
never heard of this anyone have a pic?

I'm guessing steerer extenders?

http://jensonusa.com/search/?s=steerer+extender

thanks for the idea of an extender but that in no way what I'm looking for the shorter stem I think will solve the issue that I'm having

thanks for the idea of an extender but that in no way what I'm looking for the shorter stem I think will solve the issue that I'm having

You actually did not mention the "Issue" that has you looking for a different fit. That might help someone give you the advice you are looking for.

My issue was back pain from being too laid out. I added a riser (steering extender) and it made all the difference.

Good Luck

sorry guys but with the new set of bars I put on which are much wider I'm more streched out feeling and after long rides wrist pain. I think shortining of the stem will help.