Handlebar height and stem length
alomac
Posts: 189
I'm looking to replace my current 650mm handlebars with something wider, probably 750mm, with the option of chopping it down a bit if it ends up being too wide. I'd also want to replace the current 120mm stem, since I don't want the steering to be too vague. I'm also at the stage where I'm trying to learn manuals and bunny hops and I understand that a 70mm stem will make this easier.
The first thing is, would the drop from 120 to 70mm be too great? Should I go for something like 90mm instead? My Trek 6300 is billed as a 'racing hardtail' (it essentially duplicates the 8000-series geometry) and thus favours a long and low riding position. I'm worried that shortening this up might turn the bike into some sort of Franken-mongrel.
Also, the current setup is a 25mm riser on a 10 degree stem. Breaking out some googled trigonometry says that this raises the grips by 45mm (ignoring upsweep). I've read that as the stem shortens, the grips should go higher. I was thinking of getting a 50mm riser (Funn Fatboy) and sticking it on a 6 degree 70mm stem. This would raise the grips by 57.5mm. Is this extra height enough? Too much?
Apologies for the long post, especially if none of it makes any sense.
Cheers,
Adam.
The first thing is, would the drop from 120 to 70mm be too great? Should I go for something like 90mm instead? My Trek 6300 is billed as a 'racing hardtail' (it essentially duplicates the 8000-series geometry) and thus favours a long and low riding position. I'm worried that shortening this up might turn the bike into some sort of Franken-mongrel.
Also, the current setup is a 25mm riser on a 10 degree stem. Breaking out some googled trigonometry says that this raises the grips by 45mm (ignoring upsweep). I've read that as the stem shortens, the grips should go higher. I was thinking of getting a 50mm riser (Funn Fatboy) and sticking it on a 6 degree 70mm stem. This would raise the grips by 57.5mm. Is this extra height enough? Too much?
Apologies for the long post, especially if none of it makes any sense.
Cheers,
Adam.
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Comments
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how does the length feel to you at the moment?
120-70 is a big change, both in cockpit length and in the effect it will have on handling. Riser bars make it even more confusing. Personally 70mm is about as long as I will go with a stem. 90 already feels weird to me.
can you borrow a stem from someone to try out? it only takes minutes to swap out a stem and you'll know fairly quickly if it suits. if you have a friendly LBS, perhaps they can lend you an adjustable stem, so you can try different lengths and angles and work out the best combo for you?
if you find the overall length getting too short, you can slide the seat back on the rails and got a layback seatpost (if the bike isn't already fitted with one) but you slacken your effective Seat angle, which will affect in saddle climbing and can affect long distance comfort. Whether or not these things bother you only you can answer.Everything in moderation ... except beer
Beer in moderation ... is a waste of beer
If riding an XC race bike is like touching the trail,
then riding a rigid singlespeed is like licking it
... or being punched by it, depending on the day0 -
Look in the FAQ for info on stem lengths and rise.0
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I looked in the FAQ and found the linky to the stem height calculator. To be honest, that's part of the confusion. I'm using the fit guide in Lopes' and McCormack's 'Mastering Mountain Bike Skills' as a starting point, which is what states that a shorter stem should have a higher bar. The thing is, even with a 50mm riser, something like a 70mm 12 degree stem is only going to give me an extra 3mm height compared to my current 120mm, 10 deg. stem, 25mm riser setup. I could raise the stem on the steerer tube, I guess, but its already sitting on 40mm worth of spacers.
Trying out different stems is, of course, an excellent idea. Once the 750mm bar arrives, I might see if I can find a well-stocked LBS that will allow me to try different stems.
Cheers,
Adam.0 -
It all comes down to wear your hands end up - this can be done via a few methods.
A shorter stem doesn't always need a higher bar - depends what you want.0 -
Okay, thanks. Talk about food for thought...
As for what I want, I want the more natural (for me) grip of wider bars, and the extra balance and confidence they're supposed to offer. I don't want the handling to be too slow, however, so I want to shorten the stem. If it makes it easier for me to throw my weight around the bike and pull off the techniques of the actually competent mountain bikers, then so much better.
I'm more or a technical trail junkie I find, climb-fests and long stretches of smooth trail don't really do it for me...
Cheers,
Adam.0 -
While I'm at it, is there any serious disadvantage with welded vs. forged stems? I've been trying to search for the info, including on this site, but with no luck so far...0
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Hey this is a great thread!
I'm new to MTB and am looking to learn as much as I can. Currently interested in the stem height / rise / bar configuration. I have a used bike (2005) and the stem is pretty long.
Above there is mention of an FAQ and a Stem Height Calculator. I've looked for this but can't seem to find it. If anyone here could point me in the right direction that would get great.
Tx.0 -
