Turning a stem around

[Uni]

Before spending money on a shorter stem, can I just turn this around?

 

I want to reduce the reach, I've moved the saddle forward as far as I can without screwing with the knees.

 

[Pulse]

Yes, you can turn it around. Depending on what you mean by reach, it won't necessarily change reach, but will drop tye handles, which may give you the same effect

[CAAD4]

Nice Niner

[Uni]

Oh wait, I'm referring to turning it on the horizontal, bringing the bars closer to me. Apart from looking odd, is it doable?

[Pulse]

Oh wait, I'm referring to turning it on the horizontal, bringing the bars closer to me. Apart from looking odd, is it doable?

So that the stem/bars are behind the fork/streerer tube?

[Uni]

So that the stem/bars are behind the fork/streerer tube?

I've got a feeling when I answer yes I'm gonna geta WTF Uni

[Psyrax]

Oh wait, I'm referring to turning it on the horizontal, bringing the bars closer to me. Apart from looking odd, is it doable?

Yes its not impossible. But are you serious?

[Psyrax]

.

['Kaze Pete]

Just get a shorter stem. Even from the bargain bin at the LBS. It will give you way less WTF looks!

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Don't do it. Yes, it'll shorten the reach to your bars, but significantly so. We're talking about a difference of 160mm. Which is going to be hellishly different and cramped. I'd be interested in seeing whether the effect of flipping it like that results in the same sort of steering inputs, as the lever arm remains the same length (you're steering from behind rather than in front, though) but IMO it is NOT a good idea. 

 

Go to your LBS, get a KCNC Bear Arm 40/50mm stem and be happy knowing you're not being a muppet. 

 

*steering input relating to sensitivity of steering, not the comfort and fit and other handling characteristics that change as a result of weight distribution and such. 

 

Oh - your climbing will go to pot. Won't be able to get enough weight on the front end to prevent the front from lifting on steepish ascents. 

[AlanD]

Ive seen a video where a guy put the stem behind the steerer as you want to do and this was his instructional video for the wheelie i think it was.

 

His reason was the same as yours, to bring the bars closer to him so he can get further back for his wheelie or manuel.

 

I dont think this is a long term solution though. There are some cheap stems out there like the rider stems and Rapide do a 45mm for a great price.

[Uni]

.

Hahaaa won't be quite that bad. Although I guess from a steering pOint it wouldn't make sense.

someone has to ask doff questions once in a while

[Pulse]

I've got a feeling when I answer yes I'm gonna geta WTF Uni

It WILL fit, but handling/centre of balance etc will be absolutely shocking (I think ????).

 

Lets put it this way, it will be quick to do and undo, so go do it quickly, take it for a nice ride and report back

['Kaze Pete]

To shorten your effective reach you can do 

1. raise the handle bars, but this depends on the fork. Not normally an option, but not impossible

2. shorter stem

3. steeper rise stem, lifting the bars

4. riser bars

5. narrower bars

[Iwan Kemp]

Oh wait, I'm referring to turning it on the horizontal, bringing the bars closer to me. Apart from looking odd, is it doable?

 

 

There are easier ways to crash your bike...

 

If you'd like to try a shorter stem let me know what length and I'll hook you up. That way you can try it before you buy it. And live.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

First off, saddle adjustment has got to be ideal for pedalling effeciency and comfort, and should NEVER be adjusted in an attempt to change the reach.

 

As for your question, I don't think it's a good idea. I think it will mess up your handling-but I'm qurious, so I'll give it a try and report back...