|   Switchblade stem set-ups? | JBone
Jan 13, 2002 1:28 PM | | Im messing around with the stem length on my SB and wanted to see what other people were doing with their's. Im trying to set it up perfect for aggressive xc riding, which includes steep technical trails with 2-3ft drops. Ive tried two stems on it, one was a 120mm 5degree rise w/3 spacers underneath. Great xc type handling traits, but it didnt feel great on the drops. I also tried a 100mm 5degree rise Thomspon w/2 spacers underneath, which felt wonderfull on the drops and high speed steep stuff, but the steering became to quick/impercise everywhere else, giving the bike an unbalanced feel. Im pondering a 110mm stem, and cant decide between a 5 or 10 degree rise. Any insights? What are you guys running? Oh yeah, I have the back end set to 4.5" with a 100mm fork. |
| re: Switchblade stem set-ups? | Charles Coker
Jan 13, 2002 2:00 PM | | how tall are you and what size frame?
what bar?
Charles |
| re: Switchblade stem set-ups? | JBone
Jan 13, 2002 2:21 PM | | Im 5"11", although my legs are a bit long for my torso, and Im riding a medium frame. Initially I was using a low rise monkey lite bar, but I wanted something a bit stiffer feeling and wider as well. Im currently using a race face air alloy lo rise. 1"rise, 5degree backsweep, and it feels perfect for me. |
| re: Switchblade stem set-ups? | John
Jan 14, 2002 7:39 AM | | Medium Tracer 90mm with no rise and a 1" riser. One spacer on the bottom. |
| re: Switchblade stem set-ups? | Louie
Jan 14, 2002 10:51 AM | | bike: large SB, thomson 100x5, azonic 2" risers, about an inch of spacers
me: 6'2 34" inseam
I'd prefer to not have so many spacers under the stem, BUT that is what it took to get my saddle approx an inch higher than my bars, which is right where I want it.
I might try a 110x15 stem and lose a couple of spacers... still playing around with the setup a bit. Right now, it feels really awesome on drops and going downhill, and seems quite comfy everywhere else. Not cramped, not stretched out, kind of upright but not a chopper. Front end is definately a little higher than what I was used to on climbs. I can't tell if I just need to relearn some bike habits, or if I need to change the setup a little bit. |
| Salsa makes | JimC
Jan 14, 2002 12:55 PM | | an adjustable stem for shops to determine correct fit for riders at purchase. Maybe you can find a shop that will lend you one, or if it's a problem, buy one from Salsa? Just a thought. Jim |
| Damn good thought... | JBone
Jan 14, 2002 2:47 PM | | thanks. |
| Um check this 1st... | JimC
Jan 14, 2002 3:15 PM | | I can't find it on Salsa's site, but they do say they have them. here it is on anotehr site that may or may not be up and running. but it's $100 +, argh!
have a look, it may help, good luck, Jim
http://www.bikeusa.com/components/stems/stems5.htm#ss |
| Zoom makes a cheap adjustable rise stem.... | CraigH
Jan 15, 2002 10:10 AM | | that you could use to figure out what you want. You probably wouldn't want to use it permanently though as it looks rather cheesy.
3 lengths listed here: 105, 120, 135
Also saw it listed on anthor site at 150mm long.
I've also seen another adjustable rise stem that looked even cheaper.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=2601&sku=3501&storetype=&estoreid= |
| Cheesy, schmeezy... | JimC
Jan 15, 2002 1:10 PM | | I can just see that stem swing down on a hard drop because I didn't wrench it tight enough. major face plant, argh.
And Charles has a good point on the Salsa adjustable shop one. Hmn. Stumped. Jim |
| Ya, you wouldn't want to use it for that kind of riding.... | CraigH
Jan 15, 2002 1:46 PM | | There is a reason that DH style stems are so popular around here, stem failure would be very bad news! |
| Salsa makes | Charles Coker
Jan 15, 2002 10:39 AM | | I have considered buying one of those for the shop
but haven't because while I think roadies can benefit from it, they don't move around as much on the bike... for mountain bikes I have found what may feel comfortable sitting there on the bike may not work on the trail..
I know for me my bar feels a tad low if I am just cruising around the neighborhood with my kid, on the trail when I am having to climb, it feels right.
I have a spreadsheet that a MTBR regular (Naestep) emailed me wherein you can plug in stem lengths and rise and it will give you the effective handlebar position change...
really, there's no substitute for just trying different stuff until you get it where you want it and it's just a balancing act
low enough for aggressive cornering and climbing, high enough for drops and descending...
Charles
Hammerheadbikes |
| Thanks for all the suggestions | JBone
Jan 15, 2002 7:10 PM | | I think I found a temporary fix. Adding another spacer (3) under the 100mm stem seems to have allieviated the twitchy steering, however, Im not sure how thats gonna feel climbing, and probably wont for awhile as I currently have a pretty mangled calf (snowboarding accident). This will need to do for now until I can get a full on freeride machine (thinking RFX at this point). Then Ill throw a longer stem on the SB. I think it would feel perfect with a 110.
Thanks for the suggestions
John |
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