beebleb

Hey all,

I just replaced my existing 100m stem with another but this time, decided to install it with an upward rise, rather than down.

On a short 12km ride, it seemed fine. I was able to go a decent speed, and overall it did feel pretty good.

Now considering that I didn't really feel any discomfort when it was flipped down; is there any chance that the flipped up position is just as fast? Or am I giving away aerodynamics and the ability to pull up/back on my handebars?

cslone

Just because flipped down works for others, doesn't mean it works for you. You have to find the combination of comfort and power. For some, that is flipped up.

Patriot

I've always wondered about that statement.

"FLIP IT!!!"

As far as I can see, that statement doesn't actually define "which way" you need to "flip it".

So, as far as I'm concerned, one can "flip it" whichever the heck way they want to.

roadwarrior

The amount of stem rise is a fit issue. But since most fit themselves, they'd have no idea if it's right or not, up , down, or flat. And a certain precentage of them figure that numb crotches, sore hands, shoulders and backs are actually part of riding a bike.

bidaci

I adjust my handlebars so i can use the drops for extended periods. Then the hoods become my relaxed position and the drop is my aero position. If you can't use your drops you are probably not getting as aero as you think. My stem is currently flipped up somewhat on my everyday bike ('04 OCR1), but I can stay in the drops for most of my rides only going to the hoods to stretch out a bit.

roy5000x2

I don't think i could live without my stem flipped up. I would be reaching down way too far if I flipped it (even though it's just a 7 degree stem). As for aerodynamics, technically, flipping it down if more aero, but the aero gains are pointless if you are uncomfortable while riding.

brundle_fly

How far below the seat are your bars now that it's flipped up?

Phantoj

Aerodynamics is affected mostly by the position of your upper body. You can get pretty low with higher bars if you bend the elbow deeply or you can ride straight-armed on the hoods of low bars and still catch a lot of wind.

edzo

you may be faster for a while or feel that way because you are using
muscles a little differently, but if you are more up than before you definitely
are not faster, unless you are expending more energy

save10

yes but will your bike looks as cool?

ridethecliche

If your stretch was fine with the stem flipped down, you might need a slightly longer stem to accommodate the stem being flipped up.

I'm looking to do flip my stem up again, after getting 're-fit' by the shop that originally did it.

marqueemoon

If a higher position puts the drops where you actually use them it's not too surprising.

asmallsol

What ever works for you. The Womens 2007 UCI TT Champion Hanka Kupfernagel uses cross top levers on her road bike in compotions...

Is it the most areo thing in the world. No. Is she a f-ing good rider. Yes.

do-well

winner.

StanSeven

This says it all.

stapfam

Have 3 bikes and I only changed to road from mountain biking 18 months ago. Priority on the OCR was to get comfortable. Longer stem with a good rise to bring the bars up to near saddle height and it worked. Next Bike and a custom build on a Boreas Ignis frame. Spent a bit of time at the LBS sorting the stem but the bars are a good 3" lower. Latest bike still has to be sorted and is a Giant TCR. Bars are higher by 1" and I can feel it. Still have spacers under the stem but will adjust out when I have ridden the bike a bit longer.

Bar height is where you want it. Comfort is the main priority but Fashion dictates otherwise. Now where's me bell bottoms and flip flops.

caloso

Just to throw another factor into the discussion: the drop of your drops. I've got a set of Ritchey WCS Classic shallow bars with a 125mm drop and an old school Cinelli 64 bar with a 150mm drop. The latter feels like dropping off a cliff when you get into the drops. The shallows are much more comfortable, but ymmv.

ri_us

Stem height impacts a lot more than shoulders and aerodynamics. It also has an influence on oxygen uptake (via your lower abs) and the power in the upper portion of your pedal stroke. Please don't consider stem height in the absence of these and other factors.

DigitalRJH

Honestly, unless you are racing TT's, the speed gained or lost from flipping the stem is going to be minute at best for recreational or training, so do whatever feels more comfortable, so your ride is more enjoyable, so you can put more miles in, or push at a harder pace, that is what is more important IMO.

eb314

It may FEEL like you're going just as fast, but in reality you're going to average about 12-14 mph slower. If you're riding into a headwind, you'll to be going so slow that you actually will start rolling backwards.

Unagidon

Comfort is #1.

beebleb

Went from ~8.5cm to ~6.5cm (or basically from about 3.25 inches to 2.5 inches)

beebleb

Ahh... just as I suspected... Maybe if I change it to a carbon fibre stem..........

PhilThee

Hmmm (From what I remember) I was told by my fitter that most pro roadracers have a drop of right around 7cm.
He had raced for 10yrs and has been in the fitting business for 20+years and now also helps Trek.

ProFail

Carbon makes you faster.

Paint that sucker red, and we've got a winner on our hands.