Originally Posted by srrs
not to hijack, but is it really necessary to switch stems between moustache bars and drops? i'm switching to drops for touring, and have no idea how to choose a stem - was kind of hoping to keep the stem i have now for a slightly more upright ride. but i could see how the positioning might be wrong.
Well, the Nitto M-bar is a Grant Petersen-modified design of a Japanese bar. On the Riv site, he wrote this:
"Tip: Most people, switching from drops to Moustache H'bars, prefer a stem about 2cm to 4cm shorter in the extension."
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/handl...ape/16027.html
Everyone I know who has one has done this. If you have a stem in which m-bars are set-up well for you, and then you want to switch to drops, you will want to consider a new/used stem 2-4 cm longer.
If you put the drops into the stem and tighten the clamp bolt, get on the bike and lean against a wall, testing the position, you'll probably find it less than ideal with the same stem.