SwissVan Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 Looking at raising my handle bar height a bit higher but have no more space for spacers under the stem. Specialized seem to offer some nice Stems with different shaped spacers (see picture) that could provide a simple solution to my issue. Has anyone tried these stems or something similar from another manufacturer and have some useful feedback / tips? PS: I'm not looking for a discussion on frame size being to small etc... rather for a simple solution using a different stem that offers some options to play with.
jugheaddave Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 When I was in the same boat, I went to my LBS and asked them. They had a whole box of old (used) stems in all shapes and sizes. I selected a few different lengths and heights and tried them. One I had decided, I ordered a new stem with the same dimensions. Good luck!!
Josh0 Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 Hi Swiss Van My Stumpy FSR came with a +6 rise shim, its works pretty well. Machined to fit perfectly in the stem. It creaks a bit though.
SeaBee Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 I use one of them, love it. Was all I could get at the time with the drop I was looking for. But yeah, you only use one of those shims once your setup is sorted! If, in future you require a slight change, then it's easy. But mostly you'll stick to what works.
akneethling Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 I was also looking at these. I had a 6deg rise 90mm stem. I needed to try a steeper rise. I went for the ritchey 29deg 90mm. It's a nice stem but maybe a bit too Much. I'm thinking of trying the 70mm 16deg. I'll probably get the Spez stem and test the weekend. I'll provide feedback next week.
SwissVan Posted January 9, 2014 Author Posted January 9, 2014 Thanks all for the feedback so far...keep it coming. Reason I'm looking at the Specialized system is that I would prefer to buy one stem which I will be able to fiddle with (using different shims?) till I find a comfortable height / position. How exactly do they work, do you buy 1 shim and rotate it or do you need to buy different shims to change the angle? I would like to get the top of my handle bar +/- level or slightly higher than my saddle height, not sure how much lower it is at the moment (a few cm's) nor am I sure what angle the current stem is (Easton) as it does not have the angle recorded anywhere.
rouxtjie Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 I have one for you....came with the allez that I bought. And here is the best part swiss...its free. Its 70mm, I will check the angle options tonight and report back
SwissVan Posted January 9, 2014 Author Posted January 9, 2014 I have one for you....came with the allez that I bought. And here is the best part swiss...its free. Its 70mm, I will check the angle options tonight and report back Ha ha free as long as i come and fetch it... Appreciate it Rouxtjie, but I probably will need a 100 or 90 mm length but would like to hear how the angle adjustment works with the shim i.e. can you roatate the shim 180 degrees or do you need more than 1 shim to change angles.... I know I can go to the Spaz shop on Saturday to ask them but I'm kind of impatient to find out...
rouxtjie Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 Ha ha free as long as i come and fetch it... Appreciate it Rouxtjie, but I probably will need a 100 or 90 mm length but would like to hear how the angle adjustment works with the shim i.e. can you roatate the shim 180 degrees or do you need more than 1 shim to change angles.... I know I can go to the Spaz shop on Saturday to ask them but I'm kind of impatient to find out... No probs...offer still stands. I didn't fiddle too much with the thing, but if I remember correctly the shim moves inside the stems, depending on where it sits, it will give you a different angle...you have the option of two degree settings...I moved mine around with a flat screwdriver. Its a either or setting....so its not adjustable between the two degree options. Dunno if that helped
SwissVan Posted January 9, 2014 Author Posted January 9, 2014 No probs...offer still stands. I didn't fiddle too much with the thing, but if I remember correctly the shim moves inside the stems, depending on where it sits, it will give you a different angle...you have the option of two degree settings...I moved mine around with a flat screwdriver. Its a either or setting....so its not adjustable between the two degree options. Dunno if that helped That's about what I imagine it does after looking at the SPAZ info for them, quite simple and clever of them
SeaBee Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 You get a couple of shims, think mine had 4. Each has some different angles, and obviously their positive and negative (angle). You just pick one with the angle you like, rotate it correctly and insert. Eeee-zeee!If you want another angle, loosen stem, take out shim , rotate (or pick another and insert to preferred setting), put back stem, tighten... riiide! Edit: To add, yes, it is fixed settings, not infinite adjustability: I use +/-8 and +/-16, set on -16, with another shim having +/-10 and +/-14, another +/-6 and 12, etc.
missioner Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 Just to add a little info on the Spez stem under discussion Very important!: It comes with a top cap specific for it with an offset bolt hole. You HAVE to use that cap. Its identified by 8G on it. It also must have a 5mm spacer under it. Shot Fyi i worked for three Spez dealers and have seen some scary/crazy things done by diy bikers that are down right dangerous
SwissVan Posted January 9, 2014 Author Posted January 9, 2014 Just to add a little info on the Spez stem under discussion Very important!: It comes with a top cap specific for it with an offset bolt hole. You HAVE to use that cap. Its identified by 8G on it. It also must have a 5mm spacer under it. Shot Fyi i worked for three Spez dealers and have seen some scary/crazy things done by diy bikers that are down right dangerous Thanks Questions:Does the top cap and 5mm spacer come with the stem or do you buy them separate?The 5mm spacer, is that meant to be between the top of the fork tube and under the cap?
akneethling Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 Thanks Questions:Does the top cap and 5mm spacer come with the stem or do you buy them separate?The 5mm spacer, is that meant to be between the top of the fork tube and under the cap?The top cap comes with the stem. But no other cap will work on the stem. And the cap will not work on any other stem.
urbanroyal Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 Just to add a little info on the Spez stem under discussion Very important!: It comes with a top cap specific for it with an offset bolt hole. You HAVE to use that cap. Its identified by 8G on it. It also must have a 5mm spacer under it. Shot Fyi i worked for three Spez dealers and have seen some scary/crazy things done by diy bikers that are down right dangerous Ok ...now should I be worried.....I am using a Spez 105cm Mtb stem @ -12degree with the bikes top cap and no 5mm spacer on my road bike .....whats the worst that can happen....
akneethling Posted January 9, 2014 Posted January 9, 2014 Ok ...now should I be worried.....I am using a Spez 105cm Mtb stem @ -12degree with the bikes top cap and no 5mm spacer on my road bike .....whats the worst that can happen.... Is it the adjustable rise stem?
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