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Risers = different stem?

Old 10-23-12, 10:53 AM
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Risers = different stem?

These might be a silly questions, but humor me...

I want to get some riser bars but was wondering: should I get a shorter stem to make me more 'upright'? Do you guys use the same stem when swapping bars?



More generally, how does one figure out stem length anyway? Go by 'feel' or just how upright/horizontal want to be?

Thanks
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Old 10-23-12, 10:58 AM
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i have no experience but i think its proper to use a longer stem.
/uncertain
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Old 10-23-12, 11:00 AM
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If you want to get more upright, and you're heading from drops or bullhorns, the switch from those to risers will do it for you.
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Old 10-23-12, 11:14 AM
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How about you use a stem that fits your Fit calculations regardless of bar style?
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Old 10-23-12, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Crandrew
How about you use a stem that fits your Fit calculations regardless of bar style?
Because your stem has a lot to do with what bars you're using, the fit calc assumes road bars because its on the road setting.
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Old 10-23-12, 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Nagrom_
Because your stem has a lot to do with what bars you're using, the fit calc assumes road bars because its on the road setting.
+1

I typically prefer using a slightly longer stem when I switch to risers because the slightly upright position brings my hands too close to my body.
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Old 10-23-12, 11:49 AM
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I just figured since there is so much varying degree to the risers out there, that a blanket statement is a bit general.
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Old 10-23-12, 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
+1

my hands too close to my body.
hhmmmmm
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Old 10-23-12, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Crandrew
I just figured since there is so much varying degree to the risers out there, that a blanket statement is a bit general.
Stop "figuring" things and think.
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Old 10-23-12, 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
Stop "figuring" things and think.
As always encouraging the learning process
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Old 10-23-12, 12:33 PM
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Old 10-23-12, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Crandrew
I just figured since there is so much varying degree to the risers out there, that a blanket statement is a bit general.
Most risers will have 5-10 degree sweep but if you're changing from a 3 degree sweep to a 9 degree sweep you might want to go with a stem a centimeter longer if you're already in the perfect position. Maybe even a couple of cms if you're gonna run some monster DH risers uncut.

You don't even mention what kind of bars you currently have so how can you expect anything but a general answer?

Anyways, back to the OP...


Originally Posted by bike-izle
These might be a silly questions, but humor me...


I want to get some riser bars but was wondering: should I get a shorter stem to make me more 'upright'? Do you guys use the same stem when swapping bars?
Sometimes, depending on what bars I'm swapping from/to and how happy I am with current position

Originally Posted by bike-izle
More generally, how does one figure out stem length anyway? Go by 'feel' or just how upright/horizontal want to be?
I use a little bit of both. Sometimes I just experiment. Back angle is a big one for me.
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Old 10-23-12, 03:01 PM
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Different frame geo's combined with personal preference means there's no 'definitive' answer. Some advice to throw in there however, the higher the rise in the bars, the shorter the stem.
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Old 10-23-12, 03:29 PM
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Personal preference. My bike is fitted for me, but I actually like a more upright ride, so I always find myself riding on my knuckles for the extra height. Do what feels good for you.
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Old 10-23-12, 05:36 PM
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Riding on your knuckles? That can't be safe lol
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Old 10-23-12, 06:58 PM
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Originally Posted by cobrabyte
Riding on your knuckles? That can't be safe lol
haha.. I don't do it for more than a couple of seconds and I find myself doing it less and less as I get used to my new, longer stem.
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