Shortest Stem?
 

What is the shortest stem that i can put on a threadless 1 1/8 steerer tube? Is it possible to have the stem facing backwards instead of forwards?

Thanks

I solved my problem with the azonic "0" stem. With...ehhh....0mm in length. Now thats what i need

Sure. If you want to eat pavement.

If you do that, any forward force from your hands on the bars will make it want to turn. As an engineer, I would call this system dynamically unstable. Try it at your own risk-bet you'll crash hard on a fast hill!

BTW, sure sounds like you bought a bike that's too big for you (between this post and the seatpost question). Find a bike that fits you.

The bike is perfect in height, but a bit long, as i have odd body proportions. Thanks for the response though.

Then it doesnt fit you if you are having to screw around like you are to get it right.

Long stem = more stable = less responsive

Short stem = less stable = more responsive

0 stem = unstable = very responsive

negative stem = dead meat


Am I right?

Sounds good to me. That reversed stem sounds about as insane as looking down the barrel of a pistol when one pulls the trigger to see if the bullet comess out. Warning,dont't try it!!

To tell the truth. I havent even built up the bike yet as i dont have a headset. I did do a mock build though where i stuck the fork through and put a post, seat and wheels on and rode it around. I had a very long stem on it that i borrowed from soembody and i had my road post on ot which has a slight setback at the top with the seat al the way back in the binder.

I will have a straight thompson on it when its done and will probably have a somewhat shorter stem.

Maybe thats why it felt a bit long..?

You can always buy a higher seatpost, or a riser stem. If the bike is too long, then the bike does not fit you!!!!! End of story.

Whoever it is, they are selling you a bike that doesn't fit-you'd be a fool to buy it.

You gotta be kidding. Maybe I'll just go bang my head against a concrete wall..............

#1: I bought the frame online a MTBR. So no nobody sold me a frame that is too big. I went with a large frame because i am still growing and want to grow into the bike. I understand that it may be uncomfortable now, but in the future it should be fine.

#2: I asked the question out of curiousity and out of need for a back up plan in case the bike felt long.

#3: I had not thouroughly thought through the idea of putting the stem on backwards before asking the question. Now that you have made me think, i wouldnt even think about it.

#4: I am reading your advice and i appreciate it greatly, although you may think that it was pointless to give it to me.

I just wanted to clear up a few things..I hope that does the job.

Umm...in the mean time, it is most likely dangerous. Do you buy your jeans 6" too long and walk around with your cuffs tripping you up while you walk? Return it and buy something that fits you now.

boy.....we sure do insist on being tough tonight.....

anyhow, this thread doesnt really need to continue because its left the topic and to tell the truth, im not enjoying being second guess terribly well....oh and lets not forget i havent built the bike properly yet, so i truly dont know if it fits or not....

thanks to those who helped

Hey SS, when you do build it I would suggest using a stright seat post(no set back) and a 30mm stem for starters. Also use riser bars with at least a 1 1/2" rise. See how that feels and go from there.

Slainte:beer:

yea. thats what is going to happen, except for the stem. it will be built with a thompson straighnt seatpost some long stem i got for free and bontrager crow bar riserbars. i hear the thompson post keeps the saddle far forward, true?

Yep. I use a Thompson and if you were to place it toward the back of the rails it will feel as if you are sitting over the middle of the top tube.

Slainte:beer: