Stem Length
 

HI, I have a new set of bars on there way (FSA K-wing compact/reach = 80mm) and have a 30mm less reach than my stock bars (110 reach) . my current stem is 7 deg. with 90mm in length that I have flipped and I may not know any better but I am comfortable on long rides (75+ miles).
Now common cents would say I need a longer stem by 30 mm BUT I was thinking of moving a spacer from below the stem and putting it above the stem in turn lowering the bars creating a longer reach .. Does this sound like it would work???
A ? could be ask - if you lower your bars , making a longer reach to them should you shorten the stem??
In my case I'm shorting the reach with shorter reach bars BUT if I drop the bars by one spacer I'm making the reach longer at the same time**********
My reason to lower the bars is my flexibility has improved not just to make up for the shorter reach bars...my bike is a synapse/////Any Thoughts ********************

If your shoulders, neck and others does not hurt, dont see why not.

I recently dropped my bars and found my 110mm stem too long. Then again I also switched out my bars aswell which changed the reach aswell.

drop one 10mm spacer and you will only increase the reach about 2 or 3 mm. That wont make up for the 30mm you are losiing. What you have really done by getting shorter reach bars is reduce the difference between the reach when you sit up or use the hoods. The effect is a little different from chaning stem length alone.

Golden.

Anyway, as Lazerxzr mentioned, changing reach and changing stem length isn't exactly the same. It's why I hesitate any time I'm considering trying a different bar. Lowering the bars is also different, and doesn't always require an adjustment in stem length. Look at a side view picture of a cyclist to see how it's not as drastic as you may think. You may end up with a little more or less bend in the elbows, or you may need different parts. It's hard to tell sometimes.

Another question.. sort of a hijack. If you shorten your stem and reach should you adjust your saddle since your position has changed? The reason I ask is I did both and my knee started to hurt and my "Neutral Knee" was off. Dont know if this was from a bad LBS set up I never caught or me messing with things.

Negative. Your saddle should be adjusted relative to the bottom bracket. A few might argue that the height depends on crank length as well, but if your stem and bar reach are causing you to be unbalanced over the bike, it's time to rethink the stem and reach.

Thanks!