Stem and steerer question...

venster
venster Posts: 356
edited June 2008 in Workshop
From the feedback from a previous thread - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/forums/vi ... t=12574968

I am concerned about the comments made about the height of the handle bars. As a quick remedy I can drop the bars and put the spacers above the stem. Will there be enough grip from the locking nut on the headset to safely grip the steerer until I get this problem sorted out properly ?

Also if I buy a steeper angled stem will this cause any problems ?

Comments

  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    the spacer move will be fine - if you can live with the slightly lower position then you can cut the steerer further down the road (so to speak)

    The steeper angled stem will be fine too but be aware that the same length stem which a steeper angle will also reduce the reach slightly.
  • James_London
    James_London Posts: 530
    Tricky to get the saddle to bar drop you want in a stock frame size but the steerer tube is more prone to failure with that many spacers. 3cm of exposed steerer is the usual recommended maximum. You should remove the top cap and stem regularly to inspect the steerer and ensure there's no cracking. You could also consider an adjustable stem like the Look Ergostem which will give a greater rise than the one you're running. You can also experiment with position more easily with it. Changing for greater rise will affect the handling but getting the right fit without too much exposed steerer takes priority.

    Move the spacers above the stem for the moment then change the stem and once you have a position you're comfortable with (and have been for a good few weeks riding), get the steerer cut to the right length by your LBS. They shouldn't really have built you a bike with that many spacers IMO. Ask them what Wilier's recommendation is for max exposed steerer! They should also swap out the stem for you FOC if it's a relatively recent purchase.
  • bill57
    bill57 Posts: 454
    You might want to read "check out my ride"
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12556554
    to see how infrequently the saddle and bars are placed at the same level, as on your bike.

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