Stem Question

canada16

Hey

Now that I have bought a Ritchey low riser carbon WCS bar,, skint.

Looking at changing the stem as mine is fsa standard and weighs a ton.

Anyway, are they all standard sizes around the headet?

I assume they are cause everywere I look they all say the same size, just need to double check just in case, and it does not say on the one I have.

Thanks

nicklouse

there are different size steerers and bars.

canada16

Got the bars no probs as stem says 31.8mm

But everywere I look it says 1. 1/8 stem .

Can really find any different sizes on that front

Seen a race face xc stem but it says in brackets (OE) what does this mean ?

RussAlf

1 1/8 is the diameter of the tube the stem clasps onto from the fork. Yes pretty much 1 1/8 is the standard size unless you have a DH or Beefy bike when they can be 1.5 inch.

31.8mm is the diameter of the handle bars if they are oversize.

canada16

Thanks

So the bit that clamps around the Headset is all the same size then?

My bike is only a xc bike.

Going to get a bit longer one as mine is only 90mm which I want about 100 - 110 as my bike was a tiny bit small as could not pass up the deal, so need to make the reach a bit longer,

Just worries about the clamp at the back of the stem.

Thanks again

RussAlf

Remeber a longer stem will make the steering slower, ive got a 70mm on mine as i like it quick for the tight singletrack.

How about a layback seatpost instead to lenghten the cockpit?

canada16

I was probably going to go max 100mm

I am just trying to firgure out the size of my steering tube.

I hope its not some abnormal shape that can only be found in outer mongolia

littleandy0410

What bike do you ride? What fork is it?

andyturner28

Your steerer tube is definitely 1 1/8, as it is only DH and FR bikes that use forks with 1.5" steerer tubes at the moment. It will clearly say whether it is 1 1/8 or 1.5". As Russ said, i would definitely try a layback seat-post over a longer stem, as a longer one will wreck the handling imho, and on steep descents you will feel too far over the front end.

The Spiderman

I`d also say look at the layback option first.Have a look at the difference between the centre line of you existing post,and where the saddle clamps on.
You can prbably gain 10mm or more here easily.In =fact some layback options can give you 25mm.
Then buy the WCS stem to match your bars in the same size as you have now.

canada16

Thanks for that guys

I am on a focus superbud with fox f32 rl 100mm

My stem is 90mm right now, so surley 10mm wont make much of a difference would it?

If a seatpost would be better which one should I look at? the thompson maybe, or is there another one.

Thanks again guys

canada16

How many time have you got to press submit before it registers?

Multiple posts

canada16

Would this really mess up my steering, its a great price?

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=72

RussAlf

You will definatley feel the difference between 90mm and 110mm, steering will be slower and as andy says your weight will be more over the front, great for climbing but bad for descents.

Down to personal preference really but most people prefer a shorter stem.

Thompson do great layback posts.

supersonic

Layback posts can work very well, but if you are already a long way behind the BB - ie a slack seat angle - they can make it worse. Combined with a short stem the front end can feel vague when cornering due to lack of weight on it.

andyturner28

The best thing to do is to hunt around for some dirt cheap stems and seat post's and just try them out before spending loads on a decent one. I went through about 6 different stems before finally finding the right size and rise, and i have only just found the ideal riding position after about 8 months with this frame! How high is your stem currently? You could try lowering it as far as it goes and see if that helps.

canada16

Thanks for that guys.

I have no trouble riding now, but I know its a tiny tiny to small.

Maybe 100mm at most as mine is 90mm right now, im sure that will not make a huge difference would it?

As far as my seat, its up quite high about 3/4 to the end.

I see what you mean about cornering and weight ratio to the end and front, dont want to be messing around with that too much do I, Or I could go flying

Thanks again guys for the help