paintballdude

I am in a dillema. I would say my type of riding is urban freeride/trails. I want to be able to get at the bunnyhop, j hop and wheelie. I have heard a short stem will help. But I have also heard a longer stem will help too. What do u guys think?

Later

Another MTBiker

Dazza

A shorter stem is your best bet IMO for wheelies, as it allows you to get your weight further back. A longer higher stem is better for the variety of trials stuff (hops).

My advice, depending on what bike you have, stick with what you have, im learning trials atm, on a XC bike, with long chainstays, top tube and stem etc, and while it is harder to learn, it will no doubt make me a better rider. Plus the benefit of being cheaper is a bonus.

Bunnyhops are easy, once you learn how, its just a matter of confidence how high you can get.

paintballdude

Thx man. I have a specialized Hardrock Sport 04'. The stem is a little bit between a long and a short. I think I might change it with a slightly longer one becuase the stock stem is pretty heavy. Thx again


Later


Another MTBiker

Dannihilator

It is a bit easier with a shorter stem. I'd reccomend a Race Face Diabolus Stem It is a good balance between short and long. So you can ride urban and not have to worry about the length when you go on a trail ride.

Dazza

paintballdude, remember that for trials a LONGER stem will be worse, unless it has serious rise in it, as this would make it easier to rock the bike back and forth.

Check out this pic for reference, see how high the stem is reaching?



At the minute i have a medium length stem, but have fitted riser bars, as this helps slightly compared to XC flat bars.

If you need any help with some of the easier tricks, PM me, its hard to explain but ill give it a shot

paintballdude

What do you guys think about the Kore stem. I have heard they are really good and cheap.

Later

Another MTBiker

Maelstrom 

Aren't they really long?

paintballdude

I don't think there that long. I don't have the exact measurements but the last time I looked I would say there about a medium.

Later

Another MTBiker