Stem & spacer adjustment on Giant Defy

cmachine

Hi all. I run a 2015 Giant Defy 0 M/L (I'm 6' 1"), mainly for Sportive/Charity ride duties and endurance rides. The geo and fit obviously are designed for a more upright and relaxed position but as I've been improving I'm wondering what (if any!) improvement would be gained by flipping stem down or moving a few spacers to above the stem rather than below. I see a lot of roadie elitism about "slamming that stem" much like MTBers laugh at any stem length these days over 60mm. I suppose I want to possibly get a more aerodynamic position on the Defy but I realise I am not going to make it into a TCR or Propel. I don't want it to become too uncomfortable for long endurance events and I know that the HA and top tube/other measurements etc. are designed with an endurance bike in mind. Just interested in other opinions on those that have changed these around and results. I'm aware I will likely have to change bar angle and seat height in tandem with any stem height adjustments. Thanks

mjf1017

I've got a Giant Defy 1 (M) and have spent time doing the opposite, raising the handlebars for a more comfy ride.

My advice would be to make the following changes and see how it feels: Lower the stem by reducing the number of spacers and flipping the stem. If at it's lowest angle/set up you'd like more drop then you could add a longer stem. They are relatively inexpensive to replace. Remember it is very easy to alter the stem height and angle and if you don't like the feel they are easy to switch back,

My one big word of advice would be make sure you tighten the bolts adequately afterwards... I went out on mine and the handle bars twisted through 90 degress under braking.

cmachine

mjf1017 wrote:

I've got a Giant Defy 1 (M) and have spent time doing the opposite, raising the handlebars for a more comfy ride.

My advice would be to make the following changes and see how it feels: Lower the stem by reducing the number of spacers and flipping the stem. If at it's lowest angle/set up you'd like more drop then you could add a longer stem. They are relatively inexpensive to replace. Remember it is very easy to alter the stem height and angle and if you don't like the feel they are easy to switch back,

My one big word of advice would be make sure you tighten the bolts adequately afterwards... I went out on mine and the handle bars twisted through 90 degress under braking.

Thanks. Why the change? When you got the bike was the stem slammed and inverted? I've a few varying sizes of spare XC stems which should cover me for any drastic changes. I've also found out the very hard way what happens with an improperly tightened stem bolt. I ordered a bike from a very well know online retailer and the monkey who put it together stripped one of the side bolts. Anyway, thankfully that wasn't the cause of my accident but just meant the bars twisted very easily during the crash.

The Defy is actually a pretty nimble bike...racier than I thought and accelerates pretty fast. I guess I'm just looking to give it a bit more shift without losing too much of that relaxed feel.

mjf1017

I get a lot of neck/upper back pain and tension so like to keep as upright as possible which was why I opted for a defy and not a more race orientated bike.

I did try a shortened stem - 80mm to bring the handlebars in but that made the front wheel very very twitchy.

I do think that with reduced spacers and longer stems you can make the Giant Defy very racy. They are very good bikes. As I said before, it's a case of tinkering, tightening and seeing how the bike feels. All part of the fun!

dj58

Interested in the fact that your bike was delivered with the stem fitted in the positive, pointing up, position, did you ask for it like that? My Defy was delivered with the stem in the negative, pointing down, position with all the spacers below the stem. I now have one 10mm spacer above the stem and doubt if I could go any lower, I'm no longer a spring chicken and my neck is not as flexible as it was.

You should experiment by making one adjustment at a time, so first flip the stem and ride the bike to see how you feel with the new bar position. You can then move one spacer at a time above the stem until you find your optimum position. Your saddle height once set for your inseam should remain fixed, taking into account crank length, pedal/shoe combination, regardless of what adjustments you make to handlebar height/rotation angle.

cmachine

DJ58 wrote:

Interested in the fact that your bike was delivered with the stem fitted in the positive, pointing up, position, did you ask for it like that? My Defy was delivered with the stem in the negative, pointing down, position with all the spacers below the stem. I now have one 10mm spacer above the stem and doubt if I could go any lower, I'm no longer a spring chicken and my neck is not as flexible as it was.

You should experiment by making one adjustment at a time, so first flip the stem and ride the bike to see how you feel with the new bar position. You can then move one spacer at a time above the stem until you find your optimum position. Your saddle height once set for your inseam should remain fixed, taking into account crank length, pedal/shoe combination, regardless of what adjustments you make to handlebar height/rotation angle.

Yep, I got it from Paul's Cycles in the UK and was delivered with full spacer stack below stem and stem flipped upwards. Being new to road cycling I just set my seat height and bar angle for what suited. I will probably start adjustment by flipping it down and then see how I progress and test on a few 100km plus rides. I've got a Gran Fondo next weekend, 175km, so won't tinker with it until after that. Right now I'm not getting any back pain or numbness so don't want to change too many things at one. Just moved recently to SPD-SL from Shimano A600 touring pedals and enjoying the change!

inosantos2002

Due to the fun in experimenting of stem adjustments for optimum comfort, Ive had a collection of 12 different stems just for the purpose.
Research results by Giant would prove that "Stock is King!"
Just use the stock stem and spacers provided with the Defy, and you will eventually find the sweetest spot.
My stock stem is now in positive position and all spacers below , and my dropbars are tilted down 5-7deg. my levers set up and back a little for better control. Im still thinking of adding 1-2 degrees tilt down of the dropbar for better downhill runs and for driving in crowded city traffic, So far, no backpains with the stock stems and spacers.
Im Senior at 67 and still having fun adjusting my dropbars !

inosantos2002

Due to the fun in experimenting of stem adjustments for optimum comfort, Ive had a collection of 12 different stems just for the purpose.
Research results by Giant would prove that "Stock is King!"
Just use the stock stem and spacers provided with the Defy, and you will eventually find the sweetest spot.
My stock stem is now in positive position, and my dropbars are tilted down 5-7deg. my levers set up and back a little for better control. Im still thinking of adding 1-2 degrees tilt down of the dropbars for better downhill runs and for driving in crowded city traffic, So far, no backpains with the stock stems and spacers.
again .... Stock is King !