2012 Giant Roam 1

I am looking to swap out the stock stem on my hybrid for an adjustable stem to make the ride more comfortable. I tried searching for one online but could not make a decision on which one to buy. Is there a particular brand that I should get? Can anyone recommend one?

Also,
Would changing out my stock cassette improve my speed? What are my options?

Current drive train:
Shimano M391, 26/36/48
SRAM PG 950 11x34, 9-Speed

Thanks

The brand that I recommend is Truvativ and Ritchey. I'm not too fancy with bike drive train, but I believe a higher crank set might do the trick. Like a 30/42/52T versus what you got.

I guess Truvativ doesn't make adjustable stem that I can find, but only regular stems. Go with Ritchey.

I've had zero problems with the Ritchey adjustable stem on my hybrid for the last 8 years. Keep in mind, they're available in differing lengths; match what you've got for the least change in geometry (measure from center of bar clamp to center of steering clamp).

The gearing you have is good for 30mph+, which is redonkulous on a hybrid. The way to improve rider speed is to improve the rider. Are you riding high cadences yet? I'm a huge proponent of high cadences on any kind of bike.

Switching to the habit years ago was difficult, but my cruising cadence is now 90rpm's and I can hold 120 easily. It's far, far easier on the legs, and you'll find yourself rather faster using it. I have a 52/42/30 + 11-32 on my Coda, and never use the big ring. On the 42, I have no trouble cruising over 20mph in still air and 16mph into a headwind. On your 36, you'll probably be using the 4th-largest cassette cog and smaller.

Thanks for the recommendation. I am going to look for one online.

I ride several times a week and I always notice riders on road bikes seem to cover more distance than I do on my hybrid, spinning the same cadence. I know Im comparing apples to oranges, but the distance is great. I thought maybe changing the cassette would help. I am heavier than them, so this has something to do with it also.

They're pulling taller gears due to lesser wind resistance and maybe a little due to less bike weight. I'm faster on a road bike than I am on my hybrid, for the same level of effort.

Just make sure you buy the right clamp diameter for your handlebars (either 25.4, 26 or 31.8mm). You may need a extra spacer or two to keep the new stem tight to the head tube. If your goal is to raise the bars up I'd buy a stem that is 20-30mm longer than your current stem (assuming you like your current position on the bike comfortable.) As you raise the stem angle up it effectively shortens the distance (brings the bars closer to you.)

Given that he mentioned not being comfortable with his position in the first post, I'd lean towards duplicating the length and letting an increased up angle provide that comfort. With that said, OP, you might want to consider whether it's the weight you're putting on your hands or the length of your reach which is causing the discomfort - these are (subtly) different aspects of fit; you might for instance find that a longer stem that's the same distance below(above) your seat, generating essentially the same pressure on your hands, will solve the problem or you might want the more-vertical seating position of a raised bar, probably not possible without an adjustable stem. It's a somewhat complex and subjective relationship. And keep in mind that stems are offered in 10mm length graduations for a reason. A longer stem at the same angle will effectively raise the bar, and in hindsight I think that Dunbar and I are saying essentially the same thing.

Case in point: I'm really happy with my current riding position, using an adjustable stem. That position, however, uses all the available spacers below the bar, and zero angle on the stem. The "solid" stem I'm replacing with is at a 6/84-degree angle (depending on which way I orient the install), so I'm going to cut my new fork long to begin with and try the new stem both ways (moving spacers above and below the stem as I do so). If either work equally well, I'm going to opt for the "84" configuration to have the stem at the top of the spacers and a "racier" look to the whole thing.

Mind you, I am abnormally anal and world-class neurotic. Chances are your solution will be far simpler than mine.

Plus, I don't know what size tires that you are using, but a more narrow lighter tire may increase more speed.