10mm shorter stem , bumpier ride ..?

JimmyK
JimmyK Posts: 712
edited May 2010 in Workshop
I took the original 100mm stem from my trek 1000 road bike and replaced it with a 90mm Ritchey Comp Stem which is the same + or - 6 degree angle . There is no doubt that in terms of reach comfort , the 90mm length suits me better , but on todays ride with , the roads seemed a bit bumpier as if suspension had been reduced.

Could a 10mm reduction in stem length result in a bumpier ride or could my headset be knackered ?

Comments

  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    Either you have not adjusted the headset correctly or the new stem is stiffer and less forgiving than the old one. I changed from a flexy 100mm Deda stem to a better 90mm Specialized one and did not notice any negative effects.
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • JimmyK
    JimmyK Posts: 712
    I watched several online instruction clips on how to set the headset.

    I loosened the 2 bolts at the stem, then loosened the top long screw and gave the front wheel a bounce off the road to remove the compression in the headset. I then tightened up the long top screw , held the front brake and tried pushing the bike forward and listening for any knocking noises. When I was satisfied, I tightened up the 2 bolts at the stem.

    I wonder if the ritchey comp stem may just be , as you suggested, less forgiving :?
  • topdude
    topdude Posts: 1,557
    Sounds like you set up the headset OK, how about letting a few PSI out of the front tyre ?
    No need for mega high pressures, I run 80 front / 90 rear and I'm no lightweight :wink:
    He is not the messiah, he is a very naughty boy !!
  • JimmyK
    JimmyK Posts: 712
    i run 120psi front and rear.
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    JimmyK wrote:
    i run 120psi front and rear.

    Why?
    More problems but still living....
  • JimmyK
    JimmyK Posts: 712
    less rolling resistance .

    would 100 / 120 f / r smoothen things out but not compromise rolling resistance ?
  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    JimmyK wrote:
    less rolling resistance .

    would 100 / 120 f / r smoothen things out but not compromise rolling resistance ?

    Yes, dropping to 100psi would smooth things out ALOT. At 100psi, you may even find that the tyres roll better - they will absorb the road imperfections, rather than 'pinging' off them.
    Cycling weakly
  • JimmyK
    JimmyK Posts: 712
    strange thing is though, at 120 / 120 using the 100mm stem, it was smoother , its only since using the 90mm stem that i noticed a harsher ride at 120 / 120 :?
  • ADIHEAD
    ADIHEAD Posts: 575
    Be careful dropping the pressures without referring to the manufacturers recommendations. You'll get more pinch punctures if you run them too low. Sounds like the stem is stiffer so drop them to the lower end of the range. If you're still not happy, 25mm tyres offer more comfort and can be run at lower pressures. You could also try some Gel Bar tape, or Fizik Pads under the tape.
  • JimmyK
    JimmyK Posts: 712
    my tyres are conti ultra gator skin 23`s, max pressure is 115 psi. i ran them today at front 105 psi and rear 110 psi. it definitely smoothened things out. the wind was brutal today, the journey out was very quick, return was like riding through treacle.
  • ADIHEAD
    ADIHEAD Posts: 575
    Great stuff 8) Gatorskins do give quite a hard ride anyway I find but sounds like you've got it sorted :D

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