Stem length and angle??? will i get used to it

noppy

Hi

well i just moved from a hardtail onto a spesh stumpjumper 2004.
Im trying to get used to it still but finding the steering every different and finding myself unable to control it at high or low speeds.

i did penmachno today for the first time and completely decked it into the bank, grazed everywhere but nothing broken.

Anyways the only real difference iv noticed other than rear susp (obv) is that the stem on the spesh is a lower angle and longer.

how much affect on control does the stem have ? should i change it to a similar length and angle to my hardtail or get used to it? Any other suggestions

im only asking as these grazes are rather sore.

Thanks

Anonymous

Give it time to get used to it, then if you still aren't getting on with it, you should know what you need to change.
Generally, shorter stems = faster steering, and quicker turn in.
Longer stems = slower steering, but more "truck-like" stability.

It might just be you don't get on with longer stems (I know I don't), but give it a few rides to let yourself get accustomed first before making any rash purchases.

noppy

i was thinking about tranferring my shorter more angled stem from my hardtail over as a tester is this a good idea or should i just give it a few more SLOWER rides i dont really fancy bailing again at speed.

Anonymous

Hmm. You have the other stem to hand, sure, but I'd still suggest giving the longer one a few rides first.
You may find that it's actually better for you, once you get used to it, and if you just swap to the other, shorter one too soon, you may be carrying over riding habits from the other bike, if you see what I mean.

noppy

ye ok il give the one on there a few more blasts hopefully wont kill myself il try marin as im used to that on my hardtail and know most of the track from memory. whereas today was my first time at penmachno very very different imo .

and bad habits im a demon on that hardtail :P
shame its a piece of junk but i love it.

nice bikes btw