Replacing my stem for a shorter one?

Noel PT
Noel PT Posts: 627
edited March 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi Guys

Never really messed with the geometry of my bikes, I feel fairly stretched out on my Stumpy, so I reckon a shorter stem might help out a bit, but I am concerned about affecting the handling. Its a 90mm already, so any shorter is a worry.

Has anyone got an informed opinion on stem length for a XC FSR.
www.ttspersonaltraining.co.uk

Comments

  • snotty badger
    snotty badger Posts: 1,593
    Try to borrow a shorter stem off a mate if possible. Or try to get a cheapy ebay bargain to check, can always sell it on and buy something a bit more posh if you're that way inclined?
    08 Pitch Pro
    14 Kona Unit
    Kona Kula SS
    Trailstar SS
    94 Univega Alpina 5.3
  • peter413
    peter413 Posts: 4,909
    I have a 60mm stem on my 2004 stumpy FSR and it is great. Admitadly I am using 745mm wide bars aswell 8)
    Transition Patrol
    Cube LTD 29er

    Glentress Trailfairies
  • Noel PT
    Noel PT Posts: 627
    peter413 wrote:
    I have a 60mm stem on my 2004 stumpy FSR and it is great. Admitadly I am using 745mm wide bars aswell 8)

    Thats a bit more reassuring cheers mate. What size frame do you ride?
    www.ttspersonaltraining.co.uk
  • peter413
    peter413 Posts: 4,909
    17.5" frame and am 5'11" tall
    Transition Patrol
    Cube LTD 29er

    Glentress Trailfairies
  • Noel PT
    Noel PT Posts: 627
    Cheers mate, gonna give it a go then. might not go as low as 60, but hopefully 80 should sort it.
    www.ttspersonaltraining.co.uk
  • peter413
    peter413 Posts: 4,909
    Get a cheap one and you will have nothing to lose.

    Well not much anyway :wink:
    Transition Patrol
    Cube LTD 29er

    Glentress Trailfairies
  • Noel PT
    Noel PT Posts: 627
    Yeh, might speak to my LBS.
    www.ttspersonaltraining.co.uk
  • The Northern Monkey
    The Northern Monkey Posts: 19,136
    Just thought I'd post this... might help make you're mind up? dunno. anywyas...
    bigbenj_08 wrote:
    Huge generalization here.. but..

    Short stem = quicker steering but can be twitchy, better for decending.
    Long stem = slower steering but more stable, better for climbing.

    Thin bars = quicker steering but more twitchy, easier climbing + less control on descents.
    Wide bars = slower steering but more stable, harder cliimbing + more control on descents.

    So I've opted for a short stem with wide bars...
    The twitchyness of the short stem is counteracted by the stability of the wider bar. Giving better decending at the expense of harder climbing.

    Long stem + thin bars..
    Slower but stable steering is counteracted by the quicker steering of thin bars.
    Giving more economical climbing at the expense of less controll descending.

    Short Stem + Thin Bars...
    Very twitchy.

    Long Stem Wide Bars...
    Super slow steering.

    So...
    For XC the longer stem/thin bars is beneficial because it helps with climbing.
    DH/FR/AM a shorter stem + wide bars offer downhill stability and better riding position.


    Thats all theory btw... I've just written is from what I believe the differences are between bar/stem combos.
    Santa Cruz Butcher

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