Need some help buying a stem

FSR_XC

Looking to replace my stem.

I currently get a bit of back ache after a long ride. Had my riding position on my road bike checked because of this. Due to an arm problem, we found I needed a slightly higher bar position.

Following the same thought on the MTB, I am looking at getting a higher rise stem.

Current set up is a 110mm stem with a 7 deg rise.

I am looking at an adjustable stem 8 - 16 deg. However I have a choice of 75 or 120mm.

I am pretty happy with my 'body stretch' at the moment.

1. Will a 120mm with a higher rise give a similar 'stretch'?
2. What advantages / disadvantages will either stem have?
3. Any recommendations on which one?

alfablue

On-yer-bike posted this diagram on another thread, it shows stem angles with different angle stems and flipping them, on a 73 degree head tube. You could do a similar diagram but include stem length and estimate the changes in reach.



On which stem, I got a Specialized stem which has an internal shim to adjust stem angle, I think they do two kinds with adjustment between + or - 24 degrees or 16 degrees, but with 4 increments in between, so you are very likely to get it spot on, without using one of the more ugly conventional adjustables. I got mine on eBay for about £12.



(I realise you may have already spotted the Specialized ones :oops: )

FSR_XC

Thanks Alfablue.

That is the type of stem I looking at - same as road bike.

Diagram is good & willhelp.

Can I expect much of a change in handling?

alfablue

Yep, the stems are road or mtb - I think it is excellent.

I raised and shortened my stem, I have noticed occasional speed wobble, but this is on a road bike on which I carried a light touring load on a rear rack. I can't really anticipate how it would be on the mtb, I guess downhill could be better with the weight further back, and climbs may be a bit trickier.

supersonic

Have a look here too:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12620613

FSR_XC

supersonic wrote:

Have a look here too:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12620613

That's brilliant - a great help.