Degree angle of this stem? Advice on new stem *+ other bits

DomN86

Hi guys,

Anyone know the degree angle of this stem? It's a "GIANT A3 aluminium ahead", it has a reach of 80mm, and a height of about 5cm (measured by placing a ruler in the middle of stack height, then a tape measure from ruler to middle of handlebar bole = that is the correct way to measure it right?).





I've never liked this stem, its ugly, and the angle looks ugly too. I've been thinking about getting a 'Thomson Elite X4 Stem (0' deg)', and buying a 30, 35, or 40mm riser handlebar, what you guys reckon? The current cockpit fits alright, so would like to maintain that.

Also does the reach of a stem change depending on its angle? So if I was to replace my current 80mm stem with a Thomson 80mm, would the latter's reach be shorter? What would I need to make that up a 90mm?

Lock-out:

I currently have this lock-out on my fork;

https://www.greyville.com/products/9090-fke035-03-sr-suntour-sf10-xcr-remote-lockout-top-cap-assembly?store_referer=true#.UecADW0ueSo

Anyone know if I can replace it with this lock-out, looks like the same size and mechanism;

https://www.greyville.com/products/6552#.Ueb__20ueSp

Tyres:

I was thinking about replacing my 2.1 tyres with 'Continental Mountain King II 2.2' from eBay, but tonight I'm off the opinion I'll get a bit more out of my current tyres.

supersonic

Have a read of this:

viewtopic.php?f=40073&t=12620613

But if you just want the same overall position, why bother?

Many of thr Suntour lockout caps are compatible, but again, if it works?

The Rookie

Don't get a Thomson stem, heavy and overpriced, the generic forged (on-one/Superstar/bikehut and others) are lighter and cheaper and more than strong/stiff enough.

Tigger con carne

On One have some decent looking MTB stems with money off. It might be worth a browse

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/c/q/stems/mtb_stems

The Rookie

Money off...pah the Bikehut one is the same and many Halfords are selling them off (if they have any left) for 50p each.....I may have bought one (or two...or a few!)

Tigger con carne

I recall Halfords having a sale of cheap stems a few months back. Nothing on their website now. Going into your local shop is pot luck, but they might have something. You've probably more chance of finding Narnia at the back of your wardrobe than a 50p stem now, but if you get lucky, say hi to Aslan for me.
I've no vested interest in On One, and you might find something better on CRC/Wiggle etc, but they do look to have some good stuff at OO

The Rookie

The OO and BH and Superstar and some others are all the same part near as makes no odds - it's fairly light, stiff and good quality, in fact the Superstar on my MTB is using a Bikehut faceplate as it was lighter, don't rely on the online stock tracker, according to that my local store had no stems at all.....they did (before I got there anyway!)