Hi guys,

Got my Windsor Fens '07 model. I selected the 60cm version and am glad I did. The only issue is it seems that while in the hoods, while my elbows are slightly bent, I don't think they are bent enough.

I noticed you can get smaller stems. The one mine came with is Ritchey Comp Threadless Aluminum 1.125 steerer, 25.4 clamp, how would I know how many MM's that would be so I can get a shorter one?

Also, I have about a 3" drop from seat to bars. I'm new and it's kind of uncomfortable, is this a normal amount of drop or is there something I can do to sit up higher? I'll get used to it if it's normal.

Thanks,
-Mike

Flip it.

Seriously, this term is a joke around here but if your stem is parallel to the ground, turn it over so it points up. Try this before buying a new one.

that´s a good bit - i reckon that puts you in a rather ´aggressive´ position?

options for reducing that are to lower seat, flip stem (if applicable), and/or add spacers if you have any extra steerer tube?

if seat can´t be lowered without causing more problems, then another possibility is to replace stem with more rise?

you could actually measure it on the bike, or if you just undo the stem clamp and remove the handlebar it should be printed inside the stem frame that is covered when the bars are in place...

Thanks for the replies everyone. It appears, however, that the bike's stem has some degrees of up in it already, so flipping it will make it point down.

I've got the seat so that I'm on my tip toes when I'm standing. And my knee is slightly bent when the pedal is in it's lowest position. Lowering the seat at this point would be bad, or no?

I've got a few spacers on it right now. The way the stem mounts it has two clamping screws..if I put more spacers on it the top clamp will be just floating, is that bad? Only one clamp will be holding it on then.

Thanks a lot,

-Mike

Maybe not.

Bike fitting is a somewhat complicated and chaotic issue, but I think one of the standard rules is that when seated on the bike you should be able to keep your HEEL on the pedal at its lowest point with a slight bend in the knee... So it sounds like you may be able to adjust that down some?

Very bad. Undoable. Not an option.

Suggestion: Study up on bike fitting at wrenchscience.com or like most of us learn at the knee of the wise and powerful Sheldon Brown at harriscyclery.com

Maybe take bike to your LBS for a fitting session?

Are you sure? My stem, for example, is angled up from horizontal, but is angled down relative to my steerer tube. Check and see.

If it is angled up already, you could also get a stem with a bigger angle (I believe +/-17 degree stems can be easily found).

Well...you don't want the top of the stem clamp to be more then 1/8" or so above the steerer tube. So max that out with the appropriate spacers under the stem clamp. Other then that, all you can do is go to a 17 degree + stem which is a good stem for an average cyclist without a lot of flexibility. You are on a 60cm frame so you are tall and possibly with long legs. This many times is in conflict with an average torso and a big drop to the handlebars which is uncomfortable for an inflexible rider in particular. If you want the bars up higher, consider a riser stem if that is your objective.