Stem recommendation
04-28-09, 10:10 AM
#1
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Stem recommendation
So I'm loving the CAAD9 but constantly feel like I'm having to reach too far out for the hoods. I'm leaning so far over to reach them that I can't safely balance myself to use hand signals. Is the standard stem 100mm? If I got a 50-60mm stem, how would that change the overall dynamics of the bike besides just the shorter reach? My saddle is adjusted as far forward as it can go, so that's not an option. Any 50-60mm stem recommendations?
Thanks
Update: Video added
Thanks
Update: Video added
Last edited by Humongous; 04-28-09 at 06:00 PM.
04-28-09, 10:15 AM
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So I'm loving the CAAD9 but constantly feel like I'm having to reach too far out for the hoods. I'm leaning so far over to reach them that I can't safely balance myself to use hand signals. Is the standard stem 100mm? If I got a 50-60mm stem, how would that change the overall dynamics of the bike besides just the shorter reach? My saddle is adjusted as far forward as it can go, so that's not an option. Any 50-60mm stem recommendations?
Thanks
Thanks
S-
04-28-09, 10:20 AM
#4
Keep on climbing
I've never seen a 50mm stem in a catalog; anything under 80mm is hard to find.
04-28-09, 10:37 AM
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PBk has 60, 70 and 80 cm stems for TT bars. https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A0145
But maybe short reach bars would be better at this point?
Also fix your seat. Moving the seat to fix reach is not that way to adjust things.
But maybe short reach bars would be better at this point?
Also fix your seat. Moving the seat to fix reach is not that way to adjust things.
04-28-09, 10:41 AM
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Get fit. If you need to move the bars back 2 inches, you're not even in the ballpark.
If you've already been fit to this bike, either demand your money back or poke the fitter in the knee and find a competent one.
That bike sounds humongous.
If you've already been fit to this bike, either demand your money back or poke the fitter in the knee and find a competent one.
That bike sounds humongous.
04-28-09, 10:46 AM
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04-28-09, 11:22 AM
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PBk has 60, 70 and 80 cm stems for TT bars. https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A0145
But maybe short reach bars would be better at this point?
Also fix your seat. Moving the seat to fix reach is not that way to adjust things.
But maybe short reach bars would be better at this point?
Also fix your seat. Moving the seat to fix reach is not that way to adjust things.
Edit: Dang! Looked into short reach bars and apparently the bars on there now are already short reach (78mm).
Maybe I'm just overreacting cause I'm still not used to the roadie position? Will try to take some pics tonight...
Last edited by Humongous; 04-28-09 at 11:44 AM.
04-28-09, 01:26 PM
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Jenson has a sale on stems (easton EA70 & EA50) i bought two, a 80mm & a 90mm for my caad9 and only paid 31 dollars plus shipping.
so far I like the 80mm, I also bought a thomson zero setback post. Im just experimenting with the stems till I I see which one feels better, Later Ill buy a matching thomson stem once I know which size fits best.
so far I like the 80mm, I also bought a thomson zero setback post. Im just experimenting with the stems till I I see which one feels better, Later Ill buy a matching thomson stem once I know which size fits best.
04-28-09, 01:38 PM
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Get fit, get fit, get fit.
A little yoga might help, too.
Or, do what I did, and just ride your way into the necessary flexibility for the position your saddle and bars are in.
A little yoga might help, too.
Or, do what I did, and just ride your way into the necessary flexibility for the position your saddle and bars are in.
04-28-09, 01:41 PM
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if you're stuck with the bike,
I'd suggest a shorter reach bar if it's the reach to the hoods that's bothering you.
I'd suggest a shorter reach bar if it's the reach to the hoods that's bothering you.
04-28-09, 01:49 PM
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Hard to tell much without pictures. However, you may find that even if your existing stem is too long, that going to an 80 or 90 mm might do the trick. You'd be surprised how much difference a cm can make.
Also more rise will bring the bars closer to you.
One rule of thumb to consider is where the front axle is in relation to the bars with your hands on the hoods. In this test the bars should obscure the axle, If you see the axle behind the bars, the stem may be too long.
Only one measure, but a checkpoint to consider.
Also more rise will bring the bars closer to you.
One rule of thumb to consider is where the front axle is in relation to the bars with your hands on the hoods. In this test the bars should obscure the axle, If you see the axle behind the bars, the stem may be too long.
Only one measure, but a checkpoint to consider.
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04-28-09, 02:00 PM
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^ and you know this because the OP says he doesn't feel comfortable, without any pictures, any measurements, any knowledge of the OP's age, experience, fitness, or goals.
The bike may well not fit; he may need a different stem, he may need a different sized frame, but its impossible to conclude the bike obviously doesn't fit from the limited data available.
The bike may well not fit; he may need a different stem, he may need a different sized frame, but its impossible to conclude the bike obviously doesn't fit from the limited data available.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
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You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
04-28-09, 02:33 PM
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Just because it is KOPS doesn't mean it is necessarily correct. But ignoring that for the time being, you may just need your bars higher. I realize this is asking a lot since you don't even know the length of the stem, but would you happen to know the angle? Or rather, how does it look relative to the steerer? Is it perpendicular to the steerer, pointing down relative to the steerer, or pointing up? Do you have any pictures?
04-28-09, 02:41 PM
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Just because it is KOPS doesn't mean it is necessarily correct. But ignoring that for the time being, you may just need your bars higher. I realize this is asking a lot since you don't even know the length of the stem, but would you happen to know the angle? Or rather, how does it look relative to the steerer? Is it perpendicular to the steerer, pointing down relative to the steerer, or pointing up? Do you have any pictures?
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/532154-my-caad9-pr0n.html
04-28-09, 02:52 PM
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Whoever put those bars like that should be shot.
04-28-09, 03:30 PM
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The saddle is actually adjusted to the proper KOP position. How "upright" should I be when on the hoods?
Edit: Dang! Looked into short reach bars and apparently the bars on there now are already short reach (78mm).
Maybe I'm just overreacting cause I'm still not used to the roadie position? Will try to take some pics tonight...
Edit: Dang! Looked into short reach bars and apparently the bars on there now are already short reach (78mm).
Maybe I'm just overreacting cause I'm still not used to the roadie position? Will try to take some pics tonight...
Pics on the bike would help with that determination...
04-28-09, 03:32 PM
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04-28-09, 03:38 PM
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Most likely you're just used to riding your Jubilee and haven't adapted to a road bike, yet.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...y_side_600.jpg
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...y_side_600.jpg
Last edited by Pendergast; 04-28-09 at 03:41 PM.
04-28-09, 05:59 PM
#25
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I uploaded a video.. Check out my OP for the link.