Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
Hi Folks,
I'm not overly experienced with MTB builds and am attempting to build up a drop bar MTB. I'm going to be using 25.4 Origin 8 Gary bars, which, as I understand it, are a cheap-o Nitto copy. Most of the parts for the build are being pulled from an old 1990 Stumjumper with 7 sp Deore DX. I keep hearing about Dirt Drop stems...and I was wonderig if those are going to be much different than the standard MTB stem I have on that Stumpjumper (quill stem). If I can just use that stem, I'd prefer not buying a new one (though the Kalloys are cheap as heck). I don't have the model of stem off hand and don't have a photo right now. I can get those things if neccassary to answer the question.
A stock 1990 Stumpjumper stem will likely be too long and too low for use with drops, IMO. Seems like they were shipping those with 120-150mm stems.
If you were comfortable on the bike with flat bar, you'll probably want to move the clamp area of the stem 30-70mm aft and 50mm up to get good use of the drops.
Dirt drop stems do well at getting drop bars in a usable location, but you can find stubby, high-rise quill stems pretty cheaply. Well, assuming you have bike shops with junk drawers around like I do.
Tons of short/high stems from back in the day can be had for $0-5
That stem might even be a little too short/high if your Stumpy had a really long/low stem like this:
