divernick Posted August 5, 2011 Share I have been getting neck and headaches after long hard rides and I have an idea that my stem's too long (120mm). I have just installed a 50mm freeride stem and have yet to ride with it, but will it make my bike's handling very different? Has anyone moved from a long to a short stem and seen a big difference in handling?See images below Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robrider Posted August 5, 2011 Share Wow, those look like 2 extremes... I think it will change your bike handling quite a bit. What's the angle on the 120mm? 15 degrees? I know that you have already installed it, but if it were me I would reduce it to a 100mm 5 degree rise first, then an 80mm, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divernick Posted August 5, 2011 Share Wow, those look like 2 extremes... I think it will change your bike handling quite a bit. What's the angle on the 120mm? 15 degrees? I know that you have already installed it, but if it were me I would reduce it to a 100mm 5 degree rise first, then an 80mm, etc. Haha,yes, that would be the prudent thing to do - but I am just using what I have at the moment. I guess the proof will be in the riding.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddy Gordo Posted August 5, 2011 Share apparently the shorter the stem, the more responsive the steering, so the slightest flinch will cause movement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAAD4 Posted August 5, 2011 Share Also looks like you are loosing 15cm in height. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divernick Posted August 5, 2011 Share Total height loss is about 50-60mm and reach is about 60mm closer. It does make the bike look more MX though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andretraut Posted August 5, 2011 Share I have been getting neck and headaches after long hard rides and I have an idea that my stem's too long (120mm). I have just installed a 50mm freeride stem and have yet to ride with it, but will it make my bike's handling very different? Has anyone moved from a long to a short stem and seen a big difference in handling?See images belowYou sure that neck pain after hard and long rides is not cause by riding without gears! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divernick Posted August 5, 2011 Share You sure that neck pain after hard and long rides is not cause by riding without gears! Nah, that would be the leg pain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomo Posted August 5, 2011 Share You need to consider both length and rise of the two stems.Although one stem may be considerably shorter, less rise may mean that the net result isn't that big.You'll have a change in handling but not necessarily a change in comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted August 5, 2011 Share apparently the shorter the stem, the more responsive the steering, so the slightest flinch will cause movement yup yup! that is correct! Hence why DH bikes have the shortest pussible stems. I run a 40mm on my DH bike and a 50mm on my 4X bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divernick Posted August 8, 2011 Share Ride report: Ok, the sstem's too short for me,couldn't climb worth a damn. Rode at Teak and found the sharper steering was nice, but felt cramped in the cockpit. And still got a headache later after the ride....back to square one.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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