MTB - Shorter Stems the way to go?

[GoLefty!!]

What if the bars were behind the headtube?

 

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y142/BKnighT92/ss%20bike/christmass028.jpg

 

 

 

cue debate on counter steering

[Pure Savage]

Double post, thanks tapatalk

[Pure Savage]

 

 

 

cue debate on counter steering

 

Is that cause its a 26er and not a 29er?

[GoLefty!!]

everybody knows 29er don't counter steer. They steer by divine intervention

[(Deon)]

http://wearecero.com/images/Project/32/04.jpg

 

Mondraker Forward Geometry.. 0 offset.

[(Deon)]

What determines the length of the stem?

Actually, what you should be asking is, is what determines the length of the stem correct? If you look at the development of mountain bikes, the current design is based on all sorts of hand-me-downs just accepted to be the norm.

[gwhite]

Actually, what you should be asking is, is what determines the length of the stem correct? If you look at the development of mountain bikes, the current design is based on all sorts of hand-me-downs just accepted to be the norm.

 

Sorry what I meant to say was, for a rider what determines what length stem her/she should get? Or does it come down to personal preference?

[(Deon)]

Oh, well in that case it is probably fit that takes preference.

[GoLefty!!]

What determines the length of the stem?

 

 

what you feel comfortable with and the top tube length of the frame you're riding. Generally for All mountain type riding a shorter stem delivers more stability on the descents

[gwhite]

what you feel comfortable with and the top tube length of the frame you're riding. Generally for All mountain type riding a shorter stem delivers more stability on the descents

 

I have a medium Commencal Meta 5.5 Carbon

[GoLefty!!]

That means nothing to me. you need to determine what position suits you and then determine what length stem accommodates that position

[cadenceblur]

Right, just fitted a 60mm stem with 785mm bars! Taking it for a test ride tomorrow, will see how it goes. Might end up trimming it a bit. Coming from a 100mm,with a flat 720mm bar...

[Hairy]

Right, just fitted a 60mm stem with 785mm bars! Taking it for a test ride tomorrow, will see how it goes. Might end up trimming it a bit. Coming from a 100mm,with a flat 720mm bar...

That's a big jump.....How did it fare

[cadenceblur]

Having some issues with a sore back to be honest! I think it was maybe a bit too much of a change. My previous stem also had a rise and the current is zero.

 

I'm going to try a 80mm with a 7 degree rise and keep the bars as is for now.

Bike fit advice was to go minimum 80mm.

[RockCoach]

Having some issues with a sore back to be honest! I think it was maybe a bit too much of a change. My previous stem also had a rise and the current is zero.

 

I'm going to try a 80mm with a 7 degree rise and keep the bars as is for now.

Bike fit advice was to go minimum 80mm.

 

It could be that the much wider bars are pulling you too far forward. I would move the grips and controls in a little without cutting the bars down. BUT keep the stem at 60mm for now. Trial and error till you find your sweet spot.

 

[gtr1]

There are lots of factors that effect this. Main thing is what you are comfortable with and what suits your body dimensions.

 

But then if you gave less rise in the stem you Gould use a shorter stem, or less spacers under the stem. But if more upright position then possibly slightly longer stem. And then this all relates to the width of the bar as well.

 

I ride a 100mm stem on a Scott 29'er. Suits me as my upper body is longer in relation to legs.

 

Find where you feel comfortable.