Stem length

Anonymous · June 2007

Within the next couple of weeks looking at getting back in the saddle and doing some gentle riding after my back op, as previously mentioned I am going to change my bars and stem to get a more upright position when riding.

My spesh currently has the standard mobious 100mm stem, my question is, by how much could i shorten this (and my reach) without having to drastic an effect and making a significant change to handling.

Cheers in advance
Andy[:)]

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tinytjf · June 2007

What year is your Hardrock, Andy? I guess they've shortened the Mobius stem over the years as mine was a 70mm jobbie on a 2006 Hardrock Sport.

To actually answer your question, I reckon you could go to 80mm and the handling would still be alright. Going on experience, as that's what I've got on the same bike and I think the handling works really well and comes into its own trying to get round switchbacks at speed.

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Anonymous · June 2007

Tiny you are correct, the 100m was given to me by Spesh UK!!!!, not had chance to measure mine as I'm at work. However on speaking to Spesh concept in chester they said its 70mm, so I don't think I want to be going any shorther, they did say that what may also help is to increase the angle of the stem (currently 12 ish), but increase the stem at the same time and go for some hi rise bars.

Does this sound right

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tinytjf · June 2007

Sound about right to me. High rise bars is probably the way to go and just rotate them quite far backward towards you. I'm pretty sure the Mobius is 70mm so any shorter and you'll probably find you're stacking it on a straigh path! You can get some stems in 15deg rise as well I think. Maybe best to try one of the two (high bars and higher deg stem) in isolation first and then if it's still not satisfactory, add the other one in as well. You probably don't want to make the adjustment too large in one go.

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Anonymous · June 2007

Yeah the spesh store suggested about a 20 degree rise

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Unknown · June 2007

Andy, how about a shorter stem with a higher rise?

On-one do some good stems. 80 or 100mm with 17 or 35 degree rise. May be worth a thought. See link here :
v
v
http://www.on-one.co.uk/index.php?modul ... on=106:106

Mike.

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Andy B · June 2007

2nd the On-One stems, I have an '06 80mm one, it's a very good bit of kit & quite cheap too.

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Unknown · June 2007

i shortened mine by 20mm and it made a lot of difference to my position and riding in general, went from 110mm to 90mm, i think i may go even shorter in future to see how it feels, the FSA OS190 stem i got from CRC is really nice and was only 15 quid

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Anonymous · June 2007

Yeah I've seen the on one's, look excellent value, according to Spesh a shorter and a higher rise isn't advisable, plus I'm looking for something in the style of the Mobius that comes on the Hardrock

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Unknown · June 2007

Get a 70mm raceface evolve xc. I need say no more.

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warreng · June 2007

After a similar operation to yours I went to 70mm and there was a noticeable difference in handling. I also dropped the saddle by about 2cm as well to help with the upright position. Any loss of control and power will be more than compensated by the feeling of riding rather than pain from your back though - plus after the physio and core work I am back to my pre-op position

Anonymous · June 2007

Great, thanks for the info warren, some more things to try, any particular core exercises

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warreng · June 2007

The hospital I was in recommended "Body Control" pilates as all their instructors were qualified and from a medical background. The courses around here were well oversubscribed but after about 10 lessons I picked up the basics and just use the manual (from WHSmiths! - Body Control Manual by Lyne Robinson) there is a good section on bike related exercises

But my advice is just enjoy the sensation of cycling rather than thinking that it was all better pre-injury when you had a longer stem! I'm just bloody happy to piss standing up now!

Anonymous · June 2007

LOL, tell me about it, I've only got a couple of physio sessions left and they said they will go through a program with me, re exercises either doing them at home or in a gym, think the gym is a good idea as if I have spent money on it, its more likely to make me get up and go

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warreng · June 2007

Didn't realise you were a Utd fan! With that knowledge in mind I'd recommend that you use a 8 foot stem with no saddle and descend Everest

Don't go mental in the gym - it's on;y been a short while since the op. I was advised to leave rising for at least 3 motnhs

Anonymous · June 2007

I won't, going to make double sure I'm ok first with the physio, I'm about 2 weeks off doing some light riding, (2 mths after my op I was told) looking longer term for the gym

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Stem length

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