Thinking of fitting a new stem

jeannot18
jeannot18 Posts: 720
edited July 2011 in MTB buying advice
What do I look for? I don't want to buy something and realising that I have got the wrong one. Firstly, do I need to measure something on my bike, I know they come in different size length wise, but what about the bolts system, are they all the same (BTW the bike is a Rockrider 8.1, current stem is ~100mm).
Next question how do you know what length to get, do you just go with a 50mm for example or is there a way to know which length exactly to order?

Sorry for the newbie questions.
JC
Pédale ou crève
Specialized Elite Allez with 105
Rockrider 8.1 : )

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Why do you want to change your stem in the first place? Generally people change a part like that because they're specifically looking for a longer or shorter length.
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    yeehaamcgee wrote:
    Why do you want to change your stem in the first place? Generally people change a part like that because they're specifically looking for a longer or shorter length.

    A few weeks back I went out with a couple of guys for a ride, and they told me that I could benefit from a shorter stem (bike more responsive, easier to shift my @rse back etc.).

    JC
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • shm_uk
    shm_uk Posts: 683
    Key stem measurements:

    - Rise (in degrees. may be zero)

    - Length (measured between the centres of the steerer/bar clamps)

    - Steerer diameter : 1 1/8 " or 1.5", get the correct one for your bike

    - Bar clamp diameter : will be 25.4 or 31.8 (often referred to as 'oversized'), get the correct diameter for your handlebars

    - Different stems can also have different steerer clamp heights
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Do YOU feel like a shorter stem would benefit you?
    If you believed what anyone else told you, you'd never ride the same bike twice.
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    Thanks SHM.

    yeehaamcgee, well TBH I don't know I guess until I try. Thanks
    JC
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    jc you need to measure the diameter of the steerer and bars on your bike. Usually the steerer is 1 1/8" and the bars are 31.8 mm (OS).

    50 mm is quite a reduction from 100 mm you would probably be better with a 70.

    As with all these things, changing the stem will make your bike better at some things at the expense of others. Yes a shorter stem will give you more control because it makes the steering more sensitive but you might interpret this as feeling nervous.

    It will also make it (slightly) easier to get off the back of the saddle but by the same token it will be harder to keep the front wheel down on climbs if you tend to pull on the bars when climbing.
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    .blitz wrote:
    jc you need to measure the diameter of the steerer and bars on your bike. Usually the steerer is 1 1/8" and the bars are 31.8 mm (OS).

    50 mm is quite a reduction from 100 mm you would probably be better with a 70.

    As with all these things, changing the stem will make your bike better at some things at the expense of others. Yes a shorter stem will give you more control because it makes the steering more sensitive but you might interpret this as feeling nervous.

    It will also make it (slightly) easier to get off the back of the saddle but by the same token it will be harder to keep the front wheel down on climbs if you tend to pull on the bars when climbing.
    Thanks blitz, some good advice in your post.
    JC
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Well, let me re-phrase, are you finding the bike's handling lacking in any way at the moment?
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    yeehaamcgee wrote:
    Well, let me re-phrase, are you finding the bike's handling lacking in any way at the moment?
    A little bit going downhill maybe, saying that I have just started MTBing so I have nothing to compare to. Another thing is if I change the stem and do it myself (which I will as MTB funds are low), i will learn a bit more about working on the bike. If I am not happy with the shorter stem i can always reverse to the longer one.
    JC
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    You're not going to learn much by changing a stem, unfortunately.
    If you've just started riding, then my suggestion would be find a different group of people to ride with who won't look down their noses at your bike and tell you what you should be riding. The world is full of people like that, and ultimately, they just want you to have the same bike as them. :wink:
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    There is an obsession with shorter stems and wider bars - they don't suit everyone, or every bike.

    I'd ride the bike a bit more and get used to it.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • paul20v
    paul20v Posts: 267
    Unless your bike is uncomfortable for you i would leave it alone and give your self and the bike a chance with each other
    then if you feel something is in need of change then have a fiddle with stuff then
    dont listen to others there not you or riding your bike .

    EDIT : as above i was just a bit slower with my reply :lol:
  • Ryan Jones
    Ryan Jones Posts: 775
    Bear in mind the difference in a toptube of a small and large frame of a particular bike could be less than the reduction which your change from 100mm to 50mm would do to your reach
    My Nukeproof Mega TR
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    Ryan Jones wrote:
    Bear in mind the difference in a toptube of a small and large frame of a particular bike could be less than the reduction which your change from 100mm to 50mm would do to your reach
    You lost me...

    JC :?
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • Ryan Jones
    Ryan Jones Posts: 775
    Yh that does look confusing, sorry :oops:

    Put another way, a medium of my bike felt rather stubby compared to mine yet loses an inch on the toptube, and therefore the reach, so 50mm/about 2 inches would be massive !
    My Nukeproof Mega TR
  • captainfly
    captainfly Posts: 1,001
    supersonic wrote:
    There is an obsession with shorter stems and wider bars - they don't suit everyone, or every bike.

    I personaly prefer the wide bar short stem feel (moto and BMX background though), But super short stems are an aquired taste, It all depends on the type of riding you are doing if you are on the saddle with both wheels on the ground covering as many mies as possible (XC) then 100mm is fine, but if you are on the pedals just having fun then a 65/70mm is a good balance for trail riding it just shifts you a little bit further back on the bike adjust your saddle on it's seat rails to keep you reach pretty much the same and you bike won't feel 'shorter'.as such.
    -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
    Mongoose Teocali
    Giant STP0

    Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:
  • El Diego
    El Diego Posts: 440
    Be careful you don't buy a shorter stem and then end up too cramped! It's true that short stem/wide bar combo will generally improve the handling, but it's not worth it at the expense of a poor fit. Also remember that a while a shorter stem will improve maneuverability, you may lose some stability.
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    OK, now I don't know what to do anymore. Think I will keep it as it is for now and get better with the current setting.

    Would moving the saddle forward on its rail by 10/15mm change the handling at all? It should make it easier to shift my backside at the back no?
    Thanks
    JC
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • pj101
    pj101 Posts: 31
    I just swapped my stem for a longer one to make it less responsive as it felt a bit twitchy and jumpy at speed.

    It's all up to the individual.

    That said - it's not a massive amount of cash to experiment with to see which one you prefer. But, like everyone else has said, it's the one you prefer and not the one you've been told you should have.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    If you want to try a shorter stem, see if you can borrow one (from one of those mates....) or get a cheap and cheerful off ebay, if you like it, get a decent one, if not, go back to planA!

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • captainfly
    captainfly Posts: 1,001
    jeannot18 wrote:
    Would moving the saddle forward on its rail by 10/15mm change the handling at all? It should make it easier to shift my backside at the back no?
    Thanks
    JC

    Not really how it works, you'l just end up sitting further forward, All it will do is shorten you riding position when seated but when you are off the saddle your hands will still be in the same place so you won't be gettting any futher back on the bike,
    To get the saddle out of the way just drop the seat height for technical bits which is what your post sounds like you want to do
    -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
    Mongoose Teocali
    Giant STP0

    Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:
  • jeannot18
    jeannot18 Posts: 720
    Thanks guys for all the advice/replies, good point to get a cheap one and fit it and see how it goes. Will let you know how it goes
    JC
    Pédale ou crève
    Specialized Elite Allez with 105
    Rockrider 8.1 : )
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I'd ride the bike more first, then think about it.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • ThePriory1978
    ThePriory1978 Posts: 563
    yeehaamcgee wrote:
    If you've just started riding, then my suggestion would be find a different group of people to ride with who won't look down their noses at your bike and tell you what you should be riding. The world is full of people like that, and ultimately, they just want you to have the same bike as them. :wink:

    +1 parsnips (or whatever this forum uses to mean i couldnt agree more)
    Snot green Canyon Nerve AM 8.0x
  • ThePriory1978
    ThePriory1978 Posts: 563
    Related of topic question:
    If you get a stem with more rise, should you get a stem slightly longer as well; because a stem with more rise effectively shortens reach?
    Snot green Canyon Nerve AM 8.0x
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    ThePriory1978 wrote:
    Related of topic question:
    If you get a stem with more rise, should you get a stem slightly longer as well; because a stem with more rise effectively shortens reach?

    why? it all depends on why you bought what you did. and it may not.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Big Question
    Big Question Posts: 82
    i know its all personal preference but i just changed my rockrider 8.1 stem to a 80mm 17 degree rise with a wider 25mm riser bar and it feels a lot better

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