Originally Posted by
iamtim
I was always taught that it was better to have a slammed stem with a positive rise than a riser'ed stem with a negative rise. *shrug*
It makes sense - it's a shorter distance from the stem clamp (around the steerer tube / fork) to the bar. Less steerer tube to expose to potential knocks, bumps, etc. If I could set up my bike any way possible I'd run an 80 degree stem or so, i.e. 7 degree rise.
It's also just easier to buy such a stem. 73 degree stems aren't as ubiquitous.
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"...during the Lance years, being fit became the No. 1 thing. Totally the only thing. It’s a big part of what we do, but fitness is not the only thing. There’s skills, there’s tactics … there’s all kinds of stuff..." Tim Johnson