Bicyclopnik - School me on handle bar stems

"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
08/29/2018 at 14:44 • Filed to: Bicyclopnik

I need to get a more upright riding position on my mountain bik e. My current stem goes out straight. I’m thinking about something like this:

DISCUSSION (30)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:07

I am not a fan of adjustable stems, they seem heavy and not as strong as a stubby stem. I would go this route: put additional spacers under stem if possible for height, buy a 60 or 70 mm length stem with good rise, like 15-30 deg. Buy a set of 1" or 2" riser handle bars.

examples are stems:

https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Bicycle-Handlebar-Suitable-Mountain/dp/B07C2KDXB6/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PAN562C47GH0WKW8TVSE

handle bars:

https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Handlebar-31-8-mm-785-mm-1-25-Inch/dp/B006DA53NU/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1535569586&sr=1-8&keywords=riser%2Bhandlebars%2B31.8&th=1&psc=1

Cash Rewards > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:12

What Highlander said

Nom De Plume > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:14

You need to make sure your mtb geometry is a good fit for you. Then you need to make sure the seat puts you in the correct position over the pedals. Finally you look at the stem.

This is actually one of those things that is so simple it’s very complicated to get right. Mainly because there is no right answer. Or two, or three, etc. This is because the body can adapt.

What would be of the most help is describing why you think the stem being too low or long is the issue.

CalzoneGolem > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
08/29/2018 at 15:15

I have 1" riser handle bars now so I wouldn’t really gain anything with those. About about something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Azarxis-Extender-Handlebar-Extension-Aluminium/dp/B07DHMQ9QG/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1535570001&sr=1-5&keywords=rise+stem+mtb

w ith that stubby 35 degree stem?

AestheticsInMotion > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:16

All I see is an additional point of failure

CalzoneGolem > Nom De Plume
08/29/2018 at 15:20

It hurts my lower back to lean over to reach the handle bars. If I lower my seat anymore it’ll be too low for my legs.

My lower back is bolted together and no longer very flexible.

CalzoneGolem > AestheticsInMotion
08/29/2018 at 15:21

Yeah it’s kinda complicate and add weight.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:23

Find a fixed length stem, some companies now make stems that are adjustable with an angled shim that goes over the steerer; still better than on of those pivoting adjustable stems.

Also, beware that raising a bar doesn’t always solve the problem(depending on the problem) . Lots of people bring their bars up and back to try to solve comfort problems that originate with saddle position issues. Almost always any change feels better right away and then over time issue crops up again so person brings bars up and back again cause it felt good at first the last time ...

HammerheadFistpunch > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:23

Those work, you could also just get a higher rise. a plus 25 or plus 35 and a riser bar would get you where you want to be

HammerheadFistpunch > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:24

sounds like you need a shorter stem.

HammerheadFistpunch > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:25

Those things are sketchy as frig.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:26

I feel like if I put that extension on my bike and went down a trail it would be the last trail I went down.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:28

I wouldn’t touch a stem extender with a 10-foot pole. I would try an adjustable stem before a stem extender. Especially if you are actually ridding off road. If it was a town bike not getting beat on a trail maybe, and that is a long maybe. Just think of the forces in that piece of cheap ass aluminum selling for $10.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > HammerheadFistpunch
08/29/2018 at 15:29

Fracking sketchy as heck.

Nom De Plume > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:31

Perfect, that is the relevant info you may have been lax to share I needed.

Did this impact the length or flexibility of your legs at all? Secondly can you post a picture of the current cockpit or approximate the amount of steerer tube that is sticking out above the top of the stem currently.

With your riser bars and some guesstimating stem rise and length this should be easy to get within a fairly comfortable zone. You need to keep some balance of weight forwards.

vicali > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:34

Rock it like a G irvin;

Kinja'd!!!

B o u g h t o n e i n 9 6 a n d i t w a s a w e s o m e . .

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 15:59

This should give you an idea what a stubby stem looks like, I think this is a 60 mm stem.

Kinja'd!!!

The Ghost of Oppo > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 16:00

Hell naw for a mountain bike. How long is your current stem? Is it a XC bike or more of a trail bike?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 16:02

I would try a shorter stem. Maybe 40-60mm assuming you’re running 80-90mm right now. I don’t suggest the ones on Amazon or eBay either. A ton of force goes through that little guy. Try Backcountry or universal cycles, they have great brands for great prices.

TheRealBicycleBuck > CalzoneGolem
08/29/2018 at 16:30

Y ou can get an adjustable stem, but you should replace it once you figure out the correct length/angle for your bike. Or you could skip that step and get a professional bike fitting. It’s not just for racers.

Nom De Plume > vicali
08/29/2018 at 16:38

Purple ano fail.