Flipping the stem to raise the bars

Mombee
Mombee Posts: 170
edited May 2008 in Workshop
I need to raise the bars on my road bike to try and get more comfortable. Ideally I'd get back to my LBS, but I'm pushed for time at the moment, so that's not going to happen for a few weeks. However, I'm wondering whether I can just flip the stem - it's the standard Cannondale stem that came with the R700? It looks as though it should work... any ideas??
Cheers, Mombee.
http://www.mombee.com ... more than just bikes.
Cannondale CAADX Disc

Comments

  • explosifpete
    explosifpete Posts: 1,327
    no reason why it wouldn't
    http://www.iwaxstudio.co.uk/
  • Gragi
    Gragi Posts: 448
    hi mombee
    I don't know if you've done this before - if you have obviously don't read any further. If you haven't then it's worth reading on.

    If you've got an A head type stem then the job is a little bit more complicated than just flipping the stem. You'll need to make sure that there is the correct amount of "compression" on the headset - which is achieved by a relatively simple process of adjusting the screw in the cap that fits on the part of the fork that pops up out of the stem. To make the adjustment on this cap work the two screws that hold the stem onto the fork must be loose - the adjustment won't work otherwise.

    The adjustment of compression on the headset comes down to a question of balance - not being too loose and not being too tight.

    The usual test is to tighten gradually (quarter turns). If you tighten too much then the front fork-wheel combination won't swing left to right easily, and this will eventually damage the cup in the headset that the rollers move on to allow the forks to turn.

    If they are not tight enough then the headset will be loose - you can test this by putting the front brake on full (i.e. pull the brake lever full on) and with the front wheel on the ground push forwards on the front of the bike in a sort of downward direction (if this makes sense) . There shouldn't be any "rocking" movement or play in the headset as you push down and off the forks. If there is then there isn't enough compression (i.e. it's too loose) and you'll need to tighten the cap gradually.

    Once you have got the correct level of tightness you can then tghten the screws that hold the headset onto the stem. Once this is done - job finished.

    I don't know if that makes any sense - it's not too difficult once you get the hang of it, but it's better to err on the "too loose" side of caution rather than tightening the cap too much - which can damage the cups as mentioned above.
  • PhilofCas
    PhilofCas Posts: 1,153
    mine wouldn't flip as the cables wouldn't reach, though i must say that some bikes that have had the stem flipped looked hideous
  • fluff.
    fluff. Posts: 771
    If you're flipping them for comfort, surely thats worth more than a few quids worth of cables? You could of course put any spacers you have below the stem in it's non flipped state above it when flipped, to give you a bit less of a difference in height of the bars.
  • always_tyred
    always_tyred Posts: 4,965
    It will be fine, but might look odd. Instead, leave it as it is. As you ride around with gritted teeth, people will think you are hammering and need not know that it is a result of back pain. :)
  • proto
    proto Posts: 1,483
    edited May 2008
    Not all stems are the same angle. Most are 80°- 82° or so, but Deda make a Newton 86 which is - surprise !! - 86°, which should give you a few mm extra bar height. Dig around the manufacturers sites, you might find others similar angle but less pricey than Deda.
  • Old Tuggo
    Old Tuggo Posts: 482
    fluff. wrote:
    If you're flipping them for comfort, surely thats worth more than a few quids worth of cables? You could of course put any spacers you have below the stem in it's non flipped state above it when flipped, to give you a bit less of a difference in height of the bars.

    If the cables are not long enough It can be a fag changing them and bar tape so make sure you are happy with the flipped stem before going to that trouble and expense.
  • PhilofCas
    PhilofCas Posts: 1,153
    fluff. wrote:
    If you're flipping them for comfort, surely thats worth more than a few quids worth of cables? You could of course put any spacers you have below the stem in it's non flipped state above it when flipped, to give you a bit less of a difference in height of the bars.

    you're right, though bar tape (like old tuggo says )and the hassle of it are a factor, i simply moved a spacer from above stem to below it to get the adjustment I required, cheers

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