Stem length & rise ??

simon_ramsey

I have a 2008 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert that was an insurance replacement for a 2004 Rockhopper that I had customised with SID's, RaceFace Juicy 7's etc that got stolen. I have already replaced the Chainset with RaceFace Deus XC and the Seatpost with a Thomson Elite setback post but don't like the flat bars that come with the bike. I think I have decided on some Easton Monkeylite Riser MX Oversize bars but want some advice on stems.

The bars are low rise and the stock Specialized stem is 16 degree 100mm. If I go with a 10 or 6 degree rise stem should I buy shorter than 100mm ??

I know it is personal choice but I would just like other peoples opinions. The bike is used for XC but I want a more relaxed riding position.

nicklouse

a tricky one.

i would normally say change the bars and then see.

as the bars will by being higher give a more relaxed feel and then take it from there.

dave_s

Agree with Nick, it all depends really on quite a number of things.
I can say one thing though, if the stem is too long you can end up getting pain in your lower back due to over stretching.
I had to swop stem on a Stumpjumper I had just for that very reason.

If you're looking for AM riding then maybe a stem between 70-90mm might be better.
Don't forget you can nudge your saddle a bit further forward to have a similar effect.

So a combination of saddle further forward, higher rise bars, shorter stem might sort it for you.

I also found that something like an Easton Vice stem which has a 10deg rise on it does sit you up quite a bit more on the bike and would be a decent choice for a tough stem, I had a 75mm one of these at one stage.

But if you want something lighter which will last and look good for years, look no further than the Thomson stem

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=8570
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=6806

simon_ramsey

Thanks for the reply Guy's. I was thinking along similar lines to Nick and will start with replacing the bars and tweak things from there.

dave_s

Up to you, I've had to do the opposite in the past and fit lower rise bars when I fitted longer forks on my Heckler and the high rise bars I had made the front end seem too high.

Stem length and bar rise/sweep can have a big effect on the front end and riding position.
It's all down to judgement in that area, if you get it around about right you can tweak it by moving your saddle forward or back a bit too.

Splasher

dave_s wrote:

Don't forget you can nudge your saddle a bit further forward to have a similar effect.

You shouldn't move your saddle to alter your reach. Your saddle position is about your relationship with the bottom bracket only, both vertically and horizontally. To compromise this in order to bodge your reach is to potentially damage your knees for later life.

This is why I always advise choosing a frame on top-tube length, not seat-tube.

Leave your seat where it should be and change your stem!

deadpool2e

dave_s wrote:

If you're looking for AM riding then maybe a stem between 70-90mm might be better.
Don't forget you can nudge your saddle a bit further forward to have a similar effect.

A rookie question but what is AM riding??

Cheers

Splasher

All Mountain. It was coined to decribe bikes that were burley enough for freeride but light enough for XC and hence everything in between. Then the bike industry relised it was easier to coin a phrase than deliver a paradox!

If you ride trails centres, rough natural trails (like the Peaks or the Lakes), a bit of light freeride and/or downhill, and maybe a visit to the big hills occasioanlly (Switzerland/France/Spain etc), then you probably ride what's loosely termed All Mountain.

deadpool2e

I have a Stumpy 08 model does that count??

Splasher

deadpool2e wrote:

I have a Stumpy 08 model does that count??

Count? What as an AM bike? There's no such a thing really - it's a loose term at best. If you ride AM stuff, it's an AM bike! Stop worrying about what category your bike fits into and enjoy riding it.

If you find it can't do something you want, or it doesn't fit, or you break something change it. Otherwise just enjoy.

deadpool2e

Well i managed to brake my 06 stumpy doing northshore and got the 08 as a replacement form those good guys at specialized . Anyway back to the stem issue, I have 2 bikes and one has a smaller stem and it makes me feel cramped on the bike and not comfortable. If you go to a good LBS they should let you try a few stems if you are serious about buying one.

BTW i love riding my bike rain or shine.