Benefits of changing a stem
I noticed today that the stock giant stem on my tcr advanced 3 is actually pretty flexy. Would there be any particular benefit in swapping it for a new stem? Does strength actually increase noticeably with price or just weight drop? And would this drastically effect the comfort of the ride for my elbow/wrists etc?
Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk
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Biggest thing is to get the length / drop right.
Then stems get stronger/lighter as you start to go upwards.
A man once said (actually it was Gary Bontrager) -
Strong, Light, Cheap. Pick two.0 -
I don't mind paying more for an improved product, I'm more interested in whether it would actually make a difference. Would the increased stiffness by noticed when you're really levering the bike? The current sizing set up is fine, so choosing a size isn't an issue really.Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk0
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I notice it a lot but I'm quite 'powerfully' built in the upper body. I am a lot more confident with a stiff length than with a flexy one, especially when going down. I can also pull really hard when the going gets really frantic.
Thomson, 3T and FSA are ones I would recommend...
However other brands seem to be well received too.0 -
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http://bontrager.com/history/a-brief-history/en
This is where I read it, it says he invented it.
I suppose it's a bit like Dr. Evil's dad claiming to have invented the question mark or my Dad claiming to have invented the trick where you throw a pretend ball and he catches it in a paper bag, clicking it with his fingers to make it seem realistic
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NapoleonD wrote:A man once said (actually it was Gary Bontrager) -
Strong, Light, Cheap. Pick two.
It pops up periodically here, always attributed to somebody else.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_triangle
I think I recall Tom Klein saying something similar..0 -
Keith Bontrager
Gary Fisher
I think you mixed them up...........
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Yes, you would probably notice the difference.
Might be worth going the whole hog and getting OS bars too - if your bars are regular sized at the moment.
Just makes the whole front end feel a bit more solid.I'm left handed, if that matters.0 -
Cheers k-dog. I've got oversized bars already, so it would just be the stem. Do you have any thoughts on the comfort issue?Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk0
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I don't think it would make much difference to the comfort - I've not noticed any increase in vibrations or anything with a stiffer setup.
A stiff carbon stem could smooth things out a little too - although they're a lot more expensive.
The main thing for comfort is making sure you have the right length and rise.I'm left handed, if that matters.0 -
Personally I have noticed a big difference in comfort going from a less rigid stem to a fairly stiff one (Deda Newton) which I find too stiff and jarring although the sensation of extra power from a rigid setup is a bit addictive. I'm also 50yrs and my hands and arms don't take abuse as well as when I was younger but there is definately a difference in shock absorption. Of course your bars can contribute to comfort/stiffness as well.0
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Geith BonCarrieFisher0
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NapoleonD wrote:
I am a lot more confident with a stiff length than with a flexy one, especially when going down. I can also pull really hard when the going gets really frantic.
Are you still talking about bikes or did your mind wander for a moment there?17 Stone down to 12.5 now raring to get back on the bike!0 -
I'm surprised how long it took for someone to comment...0
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NapoleonD wrote:I notice it a lot but I'm quite 'powerfully' built in the upper body. I am a lot more confident with a stiff length than with a flexy one, especially when going down. I can also pull really hard when the going gets really frantic.
Thomson, 3T and FSA are ones I would recommend...
However other brands seem to be well received too.
I'm sure your partner agrees.Pegoretti
Colnago
Cervelo
Campagnolo0
