Scratching the 35mm long itch

[Steady Spin]

Quick questions. 

 

I'm currently on a large frame (452mm reach) with a 50mm stem and 800mm bars. 

 

I'm fairly well balanced between legs and torso and I feel that the bike first me great with no discomfort during rides unless I go full send beyond what my current physical condition allows for. 

 

I can't help buy wonder about trying out a 35mm stem though. I know it will speed up steering a bit and unweight the front (no liking that, already having traction issues unless I dial my position on the bike during rides)

 

Who's been in this situation before and what was the outcome? 

 

I don't mind spending the R1200 odd on the new stem but I also don't want to spend R1200 to "try"

[BaGearA]

No don't do it if you're comfortable now keep it that way

 

The hype isnt always the answer , many pro's run 40/45mm stems , 26id rims and other spec that the hype market has branded as outdated

 

Rather try some techniques to get yourself more over the front and solve your traction issues

[RobertWhitehead]

I am not too sure why you would want to spend that much? You can get a stem for way less: 

https://www.on-lynecomponents.com/collections/handlebars-stems/products/amp-35-stem-45mm

 

But I wouldn't fiddle with something that isn't broken 

Edited April 13, 2021 by RobertWhitehead

[Steady Spin]

I don't mind spending on my bike. I only use OneUp stems and bars.

 

It's not broken but everything can always be just a little bit better. 

[PhilipV]

I don't mind spending on my bike. I only use OneUp stems and bars.

 

It's not broken but everything can always be just a little bit better.

It seems you may have a R1200 paperweight soon. It may be 35mm long, or it may be 500mm long. I'd suggest borrowing a stem to test for a while first.

I had a 40mm paperweight as well, it is now in the co-op pool of components that a few mates and I have that serves as a second life for components (tyres, saddles, stems etc) that we didn't like, but someone else wants to try out without committing.

 

You are worried about unweighting the front wheel, but when front wheel traction matters, you shouldn't be in the saddle, and your standing riding position will very quickly adapt to the new position. Or you will realise that it isn't lekker and that the 50mm sweet spot is really sweet.

[Duane_Bosch]

 components (tyres, saddles, stems etc) that we didn't like, but someone else wants to try out without committing.

 

GENIUS!

Edited April 13, 2021 by Duane_Bosch

[Steady Spin]

GENIUS!

 

Theres a thread worth starting. 

[Jimmy 2.0]

1st thing is what type of riding are you doing and be honest! Don't say that you're a trail/enduro rider if you cant do a 1m gap jump without having second thoughts. what bike are you riding? if its a dual suspension is your suspension setup properly by some one that knows how to do it? ive delt with way to many people that struggle with their bikes handling just because the suspension was correct

 

If you're doing marathon, cross country and stage racing then hands down the best thing you can do is go for a proper bike setup.

[Jewbacca]

IMHO if you are pedalling the bike up hills, stay with the 50mm.

 

If you are using it for predominantly shuttle runs, then try the 35mm.

 

In SA we spend 80% of our time climbing/getting to trail heads. Riding a bike that 'slays' the 20% but is washy and meh on the climbs sometimes takes the joy out of riding and replaces it with mehness....

 

But that is just my 2c... I spent years changing bikes and stems and bars etc trying to find a magic unicorn and eventually found it by accepting what I had and just making the most out of it. I ride my (probably imperfect) bikes with much glee these days and enjoy riding way more.

 

Sometimes trying things for the sake of trying things just creates indecision. But you will never know if you don't try! hahahahaha

[Steady Spin]

IMHO if you are pedalling the bike up hills, stay with the 50mm.

 

If you are using it for predominantly shuttle runs, then try the 35mm.

 

In SA we spend 80% of our time climbing/getting to trail heads. Riding a bike that 'slays' the 20% but is washy and meh on the climbs sometimes takes the joy out of riding and replaces it with mehness....

 

But that is just my 2c... I spent years changing bikes and stems and bars etc trying to find a magic unicorn and eventually found it by accepting what I had and just making the most out of it. I ride my (probably imperfect) bikes with much glee these days and enjoy riding way more.

 

Sometimes trying things for the sake of trying things just creates indecision. But you will never know if you don't try! hahahahaha

 

Answer I was looking for. Thank you. 

 

1st thing is what type of riding are you doing and be honest! Don't say that you're a trail/enduro rider if you cant do a 1m gap jump without having second thoughts. what bike are you riding? if its a dual suspension is your suspension setup properly by some one that knows how to do it? ive delt with way to many people that struggle with their bikes handling just because the suspension was correct

 

If you're doing marathon, cross country and stage racing then hands down the best thing you can do is go for a proper bike setup.

 

I ride only on the road with my bike 

 

 

My riding style is full send. Ex downhill racer and now on an aggressive 140/120 trail bike. Does that answer that question? 

 

I'm curious about 35mm. I am not under the delusion that it will fix issues with my technique or suspension setup. 

Edited April 13, 2021 by Steady Spin