Changing stem angle - should I change length also?
08-08-14, 03:58 AM
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Changing stem angle - should I change length also?
My everyday ride is a Tricross Comp with a 110m 17 degree stem. I don't think I could flip it and feel comfortable, so I'm going to get a 6 degree and try it angled up - and possibly flipped.
Should I be looking at going with a shorter stem, or stick with a 110?
Very happy with the way the bike feels now - comfortable on long rides - but am finding myself riding in the drops more and more. Would like to have my bars a bit lower so I'm not so upright in the hoods. I believe I have one spacer I could remove if that's a better option than swapping stems.
Should I be looking at going with a shorter stem, or stick with a 110?
Very happy with the way the bike feels now - comfortable on long rides - but am finding myself riding in the drops more and more. Would like to have my bars a bit lower so I'm not so upright in the hoods. I believe I have one spacer I could remove if that's a better option than swapping stems.
08-08-14, 04:48 AM
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Unknowable really, but same length and less angle = more reach so you may like the length you have.
I suggest most that go the other way, they go longer because a higher handlebar for the same stem length shortens reach.
But since I believe most make the mistake of riding with insufficient reach independent of bar height, I would stick with the same stem length for you next trial.
You may even be better with a longer stem but this can't be known without seeing you on the bike. No substitute for trial and error. I have literally owned one hundred stems trying many permutations of fit on many bikes over the years. Only way to know best position is to experiment.
I suggest most that go the other way, they go longer because a higher handlebar for the same stem length shortens reach.
But since I believe most make the mistake of riding with insufficient reach independent of bar height, I would stick with the same stem length for you next trial.
You may even be better with a longer stem but this can't be known without seeing you on the bike. No substitute for trial and error. I have literally owned one hundred stems trying many permutations of fit on many bikes over the years. Only way to know best position is to experiment.
Last edited by Campag4life; 08-08-14 at 04:51 AM.
08-08-14, 08:08 AM
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It depends on what effect you want. Do you just want to be lower? Do you want your reach longer?
This is a good chart for comparing different stem lengths and angles. Assuming a 73 HT angle, going from 17 to 6, but staying with 110 would lower you bars about 2cm and move your bars out 1 cm.
This is a good chart for comparing different stem lengths and angles. Assuming a 73 HT angle, going from 17 to 6, but staying with 110 would lower you bars about 2cm and move your bars out 1 cm.
Last edited by topflightpro; 08-08-14 at 08:14 AM.
08-08-14, 08:23 AM
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My everyday ride is a Tricross Comp with a 110m 17 degree stem. I don't think I could flip it and feel comfortable, so I'm going to get a 6 degree and try it angled up - and possibly flipped.
Should I be looking at going with a shorter stem, or stick with a 110?
Very happy with the way the bike feels now - comfortable on long rides - but am finding myself riding in the drops more and more. Would like to have my bars a bit lower so I'm not so upright in the hoods. I believe I have one spacer I could remove if that's a better option than swapping stems.
Should I be looking at going with a shorter stem, or stick with a 110?
Very happy with the way the bike feels now - comfortable on long rides - but am finding myself riding in the drops more and more. Would like to have my bars a bit lower so I'm not so upright in the hoods. I believe I have one spacer I could remove if that's a better option than swapping stems.
If you use a -6 stem in lower position you may use spacers if you get too low.
Use the Stem tool linked to you. Try different stems, it is the best way.
I think i have about 10 stems now. Best way is to ride and feel.
I also prefer a narrow drop bar (123mm). This allows me to have handlebar low and the difference between top of bar to drops is not to huge.
08-08-14, 10:10 AM
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i like shorter stems.
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coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
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