Stem's

ali$tair

I want to replace the stem on my EX 8 to shorten the reach and add a bit of colour as i have order Hope spaacers, seat clamp and top cap all in red.

How do I know what length my current stem is, I can measure it but where am I measuring from and to? Most websites list is a Bontrager race lite 7 degree 31.8mm but no length!

Firstly can anyone give their opinion on them? I'm not looking to shed weight, just adding colour and trying a new position.

70 or 90mm?

http://www.rushcycles.co.uk/products.ph ... 2b7s89p582

http://www.rushcycles.co.uk/products.ph ... 2b7s89p584

MountainMonster

It should say it somewhere on the stem oitself, probably on the bottom somewhwere

njee20

Bontrager ones are often printed on the back of the clamp.

Anonymous

Middle of top bolt to the middle of the bar is apparently the length.

Mine came to 100mm measuring that way. Checking on the side there are various codes and numbers and 100 was part of one of the codes, so I've assumed my stem is 100mm.

Now looking to get a shorter stem.

70 or 90? Depends on you really I think. Though that's my question also. I'm pointing down hill more these days, though not a full on DHer, but finding the long stem is pushing me too far forwards and the steering isn't sharp enough. Thinking 60 myself, but not sure.

ali$tair

Thanks Njee, turns out mine is 100mm, think I will try 70mm.

Anyone have experience with Hope stems? I always see people talking about easton and thompson, im not looking to save weight, more just the colour and length.

Now to decide, black or red? May post pics for suggestions.

kopite1979

pics are a must

njee20

Red stems are too much IMO, although Ritchey WCS stuff now comes in 'wet red' if you want something lighter than Thomson/Hope. Would stick with black myself.

Hope stems are good, CNCd, look a bit like an older Thomson Elite, slightly more rise than the Bontragers, 0 or 10 degrees IIRC.

ali$tair

So black, red or blue? Black is one of the 2 main colours of the bike, red will match the spacers, top cap and seatpost QR or blue will match the switches on fork and shock.



This is what bike currently looks like...

MountainMonster

I would say red. and change the spacers to white ones. Blue would throw the color scheme of the bike off too much.

njee20

Black, match the seatpost, much less gaudy!

ali$tair

MountainMonster wrote:

I would say red. and change the spacers to white ones. Blue would throw the color scheme of the bike off too much.

Ive just taken whites one's off!! Think I will go with black, blue will be throwing to many colours in to the mix, and the red wont be subtle enough for me.

I want to go with red QR skewers, do I need to buy special one's given the rear is a thru-axle? (i hope I am correct with that description)

ali$tair

Oh, and while i'm at it, the RRP mudguard is for sale in classifides, need to swap to a smaller one, only used twice.

kopite1979

I`d say black with red bolts if you can

bbug

If you've got a photo editing program you could put your bike picture in, then play around with the colours to see which one you like best. To me, your bike looks just fine as it is with little dabs of (red) colour.

njee20

You're pretty stuck with that rear skewer, KCNC do them, but they're very light and a bit scary, I'm not totally sure I'd trust them!