Getting a new stem

chichee

Hi,

Having used the bike, Boardman Team road bike, as it was when I first bought it, I think that the stem is too long as my arms are not as relaxed at they should be, and I feel like I have to lean/reach too far in front.

My saddle height and the position of the seat is perfect - knees are exactly above the pedal when the crank is at 3 o'clock and there is a slight bend in my leg when the crank is at 6 o'clock - so I am pretty sure that the stem is too long.

It is the standard stem with the bike (130mm) and was wondering if any one has any information about the specification of a new stem (angle, steerer etc). To my knowledge I think a 110mm stem will be perfect.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

DKay

A new stem doesn't cost much. Something like a Deda Zero 1 will cost under £20. The angle isn't too important, as you can adjust the height using spacers anyway. But most stems are between 6 - 10 degrees.

Adjusting reach by swapping the stem out is the correct way to go btw.

mathrees

I went from a 110mm stem to a 70mm stem and it made the world of difference. LBS shop said ti would make it all "twitchy" but it hasn't. Go for it.

chichee

Thanks for the responses!

I think a 100mm will be even better - when I am on the bike and have my hands over the hood, I can still see the hub behind the handlebar, so I think a 30mm reduction in length will bring it in line with the handlebar.

I have narrowed it down to the following:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/3t-arx-team-all ... road-stem/

or

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-zero-1-2014/

Price difference, but are there any real, noticeable differences between the two?

Initialised

I have the opposite problem and am looking for a 130mm stem, ideally in matte black with no logos and an 8 degree bend.

Can I have yours?

PM with a photo of the stem me and let me know how much you want for it.

chichee

Initialised wrote:

I have the opposite problem and am looking for a 130mm stem, ideally in matte black with no logos and an 8 degree bend.

Can I have yours?

PM with a photo of the stem me and let me know how much you want for it.

It is just the Boardman standard 130mm stem as far as I am aware?? However, I am unsure of the degree bend?

Nairnster

chichee wrote:

Thanks for the responses!

I think a 100mm will be even better - when I am on the bike and have my hands over the hood, I can still see the hub behind the handlebar, so I think a 30mm reduction in length will bring it in line with the handlebar.

I have narrowed it down to the following:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/3t-arx-team-all ... road-stem/

or

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-zero-1-2014/

Price difference, but are there any real, noticeable differences between the two?

I have a 100 mm deda zero 1 and its a nice stem. Decent price/weight and looks good too. I am actually thinking of changing to a 90 mm.



Years ago I ran a 3t Mutant stem which was nicely made and light. Havent used any of their recent stuff though.

mitchgixer6

I have a Deda Zero 1 110 you could have cheap if you want to try first? It's white and a bit tatty but it would let you try that reach first.

Initialised

chichee wrote:

Initialised wrote:

I have the opposite problem and am looking for a 130mm stem, ideally in matte black with no logos and an 8 degree bend.

Can I have yours?

PM with a photo of the stem me and let me know how much you want for it.

It is just the Boardman standard 130mm stem as far as I am aware?? However, I am unsure of the degree bend?

Does it have their logo on the side?

chichee

Initialised wrote:

chichee wrote:

Initialised wrote:

I have the opposite problem and am looking for a 130mm stem, ideally in matte black with no logos and an 8 degree bend.

Can I have yours?

PM with a photo of the stem me and let me know how much you want for it.

It is just the Boardman standard 130mm stem as far as I am aware?? However, I am unsure of the degree bend?

Does it have their logo on the side?

It does have a logo (CBoardman Pro) on either side of the stem. If you don't mind waiting, once I have settled on a different, shorter stem, you are welcome to the CBoardman Stem for the price of postage. Nice to be able to help out another forum member.

mitchgixer6 wrote:

I have a Deda Zero 1 110 you could have cheap if you want to try first? It's white and a bit tatty but it would let you try that reach first.

Thanks, but I am settled on a 100mm stem now. However, if I later find that the 100mm is too short and it is still available, I may be in touch.

Nairnster wrote:

chichee wrote:

Thanks for the responses!

I think a 100mm will be even better - when I am on the bike and have my hands over the hood, I can still see the hub behind the handlebar, so I think a 30mm reduction in length will bring it in line with the handlebar.

I have narrowed it down to the following:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/3t-arx-team-all ... road-stem/

or

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-zero-1-2014/

Price difference, but are there any real, noticeable differences between the two?

I have a 100 mm deda zero 1 and its a nice stem. Decent price/weight and looks good too. I am actually thinking of changing to a 90 mm.



Years ago I ran a 3t Mutant stem which was nicely made and light. Havent used any of their recent stuff though.

Looks nice and compact the stem does!

dennisn

chichee wrote:

Thanks for the responses!

I think a 100mm will be even better - when I am on the bike and have my hands over the hood, I can still see the hub behind the handlebar, so I think a 30mm reduction in length will bring it in line with the handlebar.

I have narrowed it down to the following:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/3t-arx-team-all ... road-stem/

or

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/deda-zero-1-2014/

Price difference, but are there any real, noticeable differences between the two?

Other than the price and the graphics I can't think of any difference that you would "notice".
It's a stem. Nothing more.

Miles253

For the money, Deda Zero is a brilliant stem. Not even heavy. 3T ARX costs three times as much and weighs a couple of grams less. (as an example)

danchandler

I've just gone from what I measured to be a 115mm stem (could be 110mm) to an 80mm stem, and it's made the world of difference. So much more comfortable. Arm and wrist ache is gone, Its slightly twitchy whilst cornering, but as long as I am smooth and not heavy handed its ok. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone else who is having comfort problem. For the sake of £10-£15 off ebay just to try its worth it. Then get a better one once you are happy

styxd

Best off getting a bike that fits properly to start with.

DKay

styxd wrote:

Best off getting a bike that fits properly to start with.

It's not quite that simple though is it? If it was, then nobody would need adjustable seat posts, or adjustable saddle rails, or different length cranks and different width bars. Everyone is a different shape with different ratios of arms, torso, legs and flexibility. The right frame size will get you into the ballpark only.

It's not as if the OP is going from a 130mm stem to a 70mm.

styxd

DKay wrote:

styxd wrote:

Best off getting a bike that fits properly to start with.

It's not quite that simple though is it? If it was, then nobody would need adjustable seat posts, or adjustable saddle rails, or different length cranks and different width bars. Everyone is a different shape with different ratios of arms, torso, legs and flexibility. The right frame size will get you into the ballpark only.

It's not as if the OP is going from a 130mm stem to a 70mm.

What about this chap?

mathrees wrote:

I went from a 110mm stem to a 70mm stem and it made the world of difference. LBS shop said ti would make it all "twitchy" but it hasn't. Go for it.

chichee

@Initilised

Since this thread, I have bought a Deda Zero 1 (100mm) fitted and it is perfect, so I have no need for the Boardman stem. Are you still interested? Not sure of postage if you are?