nobrainer440

So when I bought my bike a year ago, it came with the stem pointed upwards. So I learned to ride it that way, I have it all comfortably set up right now, and it's great. Now, I ride in the drops 80-90% of the time, because that's actually what I've found most comfortable. (The hoods don't fit my hands right, maybe because they are too high? But I also have sora brifters, and their hoods are a bit pointer and shorter than tiagra/105/etc.) I feel like if I flipped my stem so I could be cool, the drops would be waaaay too far down, and I would spend much more time on the hoods, which I find uncomfortable.

Soooo, I'm just thinking out loud here. What is my question? I guess, if I'm comfortable now in the drops with the stem flipped up, is it better to flip the stem and end up riding on the hoods (which may or may not be comfortable after flipping the stem), or keep it flipped up and stay in the drops? The point of flipping the stem is to put your torso more horizontal, right? But if I go from drops to hoods that wouldn't accomplish anything. Help me with my bike style issues!

derath

Go halfway and just get a stem with less rise?

-D

zimbo

If you're comfortable in the drops I vote to keep things as they are.

--Steve

the beef

Try it, see what happens. If you don't like it, flip it back.

nobrainer440

flipped it. it didn't drop the bars as far as i expected. I'll give it a try as soon as my shorts get out of the laundry.

curiouskid55

What torque setting did you use on the stem screws?

nobrainer440

pretty darn tight. probly in the 100-150 inch pound range. why?

ccrnnr9

Just ride with what is comfy...I dont understand the whole "flip the stem" thing...look at some of the guys in the pro-peloton and you will see plenty with their stem unflipped. I personally ride with my flipped because that is comfy for me. Also consider going with a 1/2 rise. One thing to note is that a lot of times a new more aggressive fit may take time to get used to. Just because it is uncomfy at first does not mean it isn't right.
~Nick

simplyred

If you have a spacer under the stem - pull one out. Ride and get adjusted to that new position.
Keep reducing spacers with stem flipped up until you hit the bottom.

Then start from the top and the stem flipped down.
Keep reducing spacers with stem flipped down until you hit the bottom.

If you get to the bottom with stem flipped down - time to get a new stem.

This way will allow your body to adapt to having a lower position - hence maintaining your drop-riding; which is good - waaay more aero. The "flip" [pardon the pun] side to this is your back/core will go through more strain than an upright position.

YMMV

-simplyred

Smoothie104

Pros with an "unflipped stem" will still have a large drop from the saddle to the top of the bar. But using a rising stem, it allows them to run a smaller frame size.


If you want to go faster, and can comfortable lower your handlebar heigth, by all means give it a shot, you can always put it back

johnny99

I think the typical pro with a stem flipped up has zero spacers between the stem and headset. On the other hand, the typical recreational rider has at least 1cm of spacers (and possibly 2 or 3 or more cm). Talking about flipping your stem is pretty useless without knowing how many spacers you have and your head tube length.

simplyred

curiouskid55

Do you have carbon bars? Checked specilaized web site , you probaly have alum. bars if you still have the stock unit. Torque settings are critical for carbon components. If you crush them they will fail.

nobrainer440

yes. bars are aluminum. seatpost is carbon fiber. i am well aware of the dangers of crushing carbon fiber, but thanks.

SilentShifter

If you are comfortable, then LEAVE IT THAT WAY. Pay no attention to what the mass hysteria in this forum does. As long as you are happy that is all that matters.

the beef

'Hysteria' is taking it too far.. you're taking this issue too emotionally. Nobody on these boards is out to brainwash or get anyone. He might end up just as (if not more) comfortable with a flipped stem, as well as being more aerodynamic. It's happened many times. Stems were designed to be flipped back and forth, and theres no reason not to play around with it.

Condor637

7° degree stem flip, will a seat adjustment be required or is this defeating the purpose of flipping (Aero). I was fitted at 7° stem rise (very comfortable at 7°) and the reason why I'm asking.

garciawork

I have found that as I ride more, I want to be lower. When I remove a spacer (stem already flipped) I spend a week with a little more time on the hoobs, then I migrate back to most time spent in the drops. I then repeat until I get the feeling my body won't want to go much lower comfortably. At the same time, if you are completely comfortable, no reason you HAVE to switch anything, but that is one of the easier adjustments to switch back if it doesn't work out.

Condor637

Thanks, flipping it tonight and going to try it out for a few weeks.

popeye

Those are "baby bike bolts" not screws.

popeye

Never adjust the saddle to accomodate reach.

Fiery

That stem is flipped down. It's still pointing up because it's not a ±17 degree stem.

StanSeven

If you ride 80-90% in the drops, most likely your bars are too high. The hoods/bar tops should be the most comfortable and the drops are for going fast in an aero position, sprinting, and sometimes extra leverage such as steep climbs. Some people can get an effective aero position with 90 degree bent elbows on the hoods but it takes lots of practice to maintain it.

If the hood shape is uncomfortable for your hands, something is wrong. Are you gripping the hoods tightly because hardly any effort should be required to hold them.

Condor637

Thanks, makes sense and BTW for everyone reading this thread, it's a thread from 2006 .

StanSeven

They why did you resurrect it and make us look like idiots?

Actually I noticed that right away and wanted to see how many responded...or something like that