Stem length
#1
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Stem length
Hello. Been lurking 'round here, posted once or twice and looking for some advice.
I picked up a used mtb about six months ago. Got a GREAT deal on it and have been using it for commuting and recreational riding as much as possible since.
However, I believe the previous owner was taller then myself or at least had longer arms. I feel like I am reaching too far for the bars and am putting too much weight between my legs rather than under my "sit bones." I'm on a budget, so a new bike is out of the question. A shorter stem for the threaded headset is my solution but I am wondering if that will reduce the reach enough (90mm, 45 degree?). Some useful(hopefully) info can be found below. Thanks for any help - Paul
Top tube: 57cm ctc
Seat tube: 47cm ctc
Stem: 110mm, maybe 70 degrees?
Me: 5'9"
My arms: approx. 57cm wrist to underarm
Oh yeah the bike has flat bars, which I thought of "trimming," since I never seem to use the outer two inches(on each side; four inches total). Is this wise or should I sell/trade for narrower bars? (59cm ZOOM 170 aluminum)
Please excuse the long post
I picked up a used mtb about six months ago. Got a GREAT deal on it and have been using it for commuting and recreational riding as much as possible since.
However, I believe the previous owner was taller then myself or at least had longer arms. I feel like I am reaching too far for the bars and am putting too much weight between my legs rather than under my "sit bones." I'm on a budget, so a new bike is out of the question. A shorter stem for the threaded headset is my solution but I am wondering if that will reduce the reach enough (90mm, 45 degree?). Some useful(hopefully) info can be found below. Thanks for any help - Paul
Top tube: 57cm ctc
Seat tube: 47cm ctc
Stem: 110mm, maybe 70 degrees?
Me: 5'9"
My arms: approx. 57cm wrist to underarm
Oh yeah the bike has flat bars, which I thought of "trimming," since I never seem to use the outer two inches(on each side; four inches total). Is this wise or should I sell/trade for narrower bars? (59cm ZOOM 170 aluminum)
Please excuse the long post
#2
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You can definitley swap a shorter stem in there. Trimming the bars can also be done but you have to be *really* sure that that is the length you want. More often than not after trimming, people feel like they cut it just a half inch or an inch too much.
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Originally Posted by operator
You can definitley swap a shorter stem in there. Trimming the bars can also be done but you have to be *really* sure that that is the length you want. More often than not after trimming, people feel like they cut it just a half inch or an inch too much.
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You might want 1/2 inch on the end of the bars for fitting bar ends. On a longer ride they are good for giving a change in hand position, or if you have them set low they give a more aero position for headwinds.
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Bike Tools Etc. has a bunch of stems for threaded steerers in both 1" and 1-1/8" diameter in all kinds of lengths and rises and everything is under $25. Look here:
https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...uill-MTN-Stems
Be sure to go to the next page also for items 11-19. Somewhere in this list is what you need.
https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...uill-MTN-Stems
Be sure to go to the next page also for items 11-19. Somewhere in this list is what you need.
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Thanks all. I ended up getting a 60mm, 45 degree cheap stem at Performance. It's perfect!
Except... a few days after intalling it I noticed that the quill seemed to have loosened. I mean that the bars were turning freely of the fork, and rather easily. So, I retightened with all my might. The bars will still twist if I brace the wheel between my legs and put what I would say is medium pressure on the bars.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Except... a few days after intalling it I noticed that the quill seemed to have loosened. I mean that the bars were turning freely of the fork, and rather easily. So, I retightened with all my might. The bars will still twist if I brace the wheel between my legs and put what I would say is medium pressure on the bars.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
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bluebeard,
I have no suggestion about the loose quill but have a question about the stem you did buy. I am looking for a stem that is shorter than 90mm and note that your new one is 60 mm. I have looked on Performance and can't seem to locate one that is shorter than 90 mm. Exactly which one did you buy?
I have no suggestion about the loose quill but have a question about the stem you did buy. I am looking for a stem that is shorter than 90mm and note that your new one is 60 mm. I have looked on Performance and can't seem to locate one that is shorter than 90 mm. Exactly which one did you buy?
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Maybe sanding the wedge would help rough it up so that it would hold better. To remove it, loosen the wedge bolt a few turns and then tap it down with a rubber mallet. It should come out so you can take a look.
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lighthorse: I bought the stem at a Performance store in my area. Last one on the shelf.
phil: Thanks, I will give that a shot
phil: Thanks, I will give that a shot
#10
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Originally Posted by bluebeard
Thanks all. I ended up getting a 60mm, 45 degree cheap stem at Performance. It's perfect!
Except... a few days after intalling it I noticed that the quill seemed to have loosened. I mean that the bars were turning freely of the fork, and rather easily. So, I retightened with all my might. The bars will still twist if I brace the wheel between my legs and put what I would say is medium pressure on the bars.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Except... a few days after intalling it I noticed that the quill seemed to have loosened. I mean that the bars were turning freely of the fork, and rather easily. So, I retightened with all my might. The bars will still twist if I brace the wheel between my legs and put what I would say is medium pressure on the bars.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
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I am almost certain I bought the correct size stem. The fit was snug and I don't believe anything larger could fit. There is no play when the quill is loose, other than the turning I am attempting to remedy.