Stearer Spacers

tofu21
tofu21 Posts: 359
edited February 2012 in MTB workshop & tech
Hello,

I'm in the process of setting up my newly built bike. It's getting there but still doesn't feel 100%.

The front end feels a little bit sketchy even with a Nobby Nic 2.35 at about 30psi. I've currently got 2*15mm spacers under the stem and the bars are more or less level with the saddle.

Would I notice any difference if I was to swap the spacers around so I only have 15mm under the stem?

It's a trail bike so I'm keep the front end reasonably high.

Comments

  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    will lower you putting more weight over the front, when is it sketchy?
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    Yes, you would notice difference. I run my trance with half the spacers above the stem, I don't like sluggish feeling, so this improves the handling IMO. I would try the setup you are suggesting, and see how it handles.
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Try it only takes a minute to swap them over.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

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    Parktools
  • tofu21
    tofu21 Posts: 359
    Yep, I've got nothing to loose providing the bolts are done up correctly etc...

    The bars are also mega wide at the moment 740mm. I'm thinking of cutting them down a bit to either 720 or 700 as I'm convinced they are a bit wide.

    Would wide bars make the front end feel sketchy?
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    What do you mean by 'sketchy'? Whe do you experience whatever it is?

    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.
  • tofu21
    tofu21 Posts: 359
    Well, it doesn't give me confidence when cornering. Hard to describe really but it feels like it's "understearing" and the front end feels very light and it seems very easy for me to pop the front wheel by mistake.
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Wide bars could feel like that but what is the bike, fork, travel etc. Esp is not working.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • tofu21
    tofu21 Posts: 359
    edited February 2012
    cooldad wrote:
    Wide bars could feel like that but what is the bike, fork, travel etc. Esp is not working.

    Pivot Mach 5.7 Carbon
    Rockshox Revelation 150mm travel
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    new bike? sounds like you need to learn how to ride it.

    move your weight forward more when cornering.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    tofu21 wrote:
    ...feels a little bit sketchy even with a Nobby Nic 2.35 at about 30psi.
    Way too high pressure IMO. If it's a 2.25 try it at 25-27, if it's a 2.4 run it even lower. They still let go at even modest angles of lean though.
  • tofu21
    tofu21 Posts: 359
    nicklouse wrote:
    new bike? sounds like you need to learn how to ride it.

    move your weight forward more when cornering.

    Very likely :oops:

    It's proving to be a very different beast to my old Stumpy....

    I've only had two proper rides on it so far and they were on an unfamiliar trail that was very technical so no real chance to settle into it.

    I'll be heading out this coming weekend on some more familiar trails so I'm hoping that will give me a chance to learn how to ride the bike more.
  • 1mancity2
    1mancity2 Posts: 2,355
    Also is your fork setup right, but wide bars do take some getting used to, I found I was not leaning the bike over enough in the corners at first, try to make yourself push the bike into the corner with your weight over the front.

    Once mastered you won't go back to narrow bars.
    Finished, Check out my custom Giant Reign 2010
    Dirt Jumper Dmr Sidekick2
  • 386ka
    386ka Posts: 479
    tofu21 wrote:
    Well, it doesn't give me confidence when cornering. Hard to describe really but it feels like it's "understearing" and the front end feels very light and it seems very easy for me to pop the front wheel by mistake.
    If the front end seems light, I would say definitely lower your stem.
    A much loved, Giant Trance X3 2010

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