Stem & Rack on a ROCKHOPPER EXPERT

Stuww

Two questions really!

I've just picked up a 2010 ROCKHOPPER EXPERT off of Ebay and took it for it's first ride today.

Having just come from riding a heavy steal Thorn 26" expedition touring bike, the Spesh is very light and twitchy.

I'm sure I'll get use to it but was wondering if a slightly longer stem would make it less twitchy and would also stretch my riding position out a bit which would feel more comfy.

I'm not sure how long the current stem is (it looks short!) as I don't know where they are measured from and to. I'd like to add about 60 mm to the length as an experiment. Can anyone recommend a cheapish stem in the correct size please.

Also I'd like to put a rack on the back, are they easy to fit on a disk brake bike? I have an old blackburn alloy one that looks like it may fit, any tips on fitting them?

Thanks

Stuart

Beardface

With regards to the stem, you could try one from Exotic/Carbon Cycles?

Cheap (£12 ish), very light and I've not had a problem with mine so far (70mm). Just be sure to get the right one to fit your bars (either 25.4 or 31.8mm)

Can't help with the right size for you though, as that's dependant on your preferences. Sounds like you need longer though, so possibly 90-100mm would be a good start, if you've currently got a 60mm on there.

Pete-C

The stem length is down to you, but a 60mm increase (doubling the length if its a small frame size) is gonna ruin the handling.
In regards to the rack you will need one with deep lower mounts like this as shallow ones cant get past the disc calliper. Half of the 2010 Rockhopper frames had rack bosses at the seatstays, some didnt. If yours doesnt you will need to get a seatclamp that has them like this one from Giant

Stuww

Thanks for the feedback.

Really helpful.

Stuww

Just ordered one of there 100mm stems Stav. Cheers