new stem help...

[cannedheat]

Currently have an '07 Specialised Hardrock and want to buy a slightly longer stem. The current item is a 60mm/7degree jobbie but it's proving a little hard to find a longer stem with the same angle that's decent. Tempted by the Hope XC stem in 90mm/10degree but will the extra length and angle start to give me problems?

edited to add: The current handlebars are 25.4mm and the headset 1.1/8 inch.

Edited by cannedheat on Thursday 12th April 19:25

Edited by cannedheat on Thursday 12th April 19:41

[bigmanszetec]

When I upgraded the stem on my 05 (or is it 04, not sure) Hardrock I went for the Raceface Evolve XC stem, about £40.
70mm length and a 6 degree, so not far off the original numbers.

Will

EDIT: Sorry didnt read that quite right, if you want a longer stem, then that one is also available in 90,100,120 & 130mm lengths as well.

Edited by bigmanszetec on Thursday 12th April 21:06

[bor]

What, in layman's terms, is the reason for going to a longer stem ?

Ta.
BOR

[cannedheat]

Just to make the bike 'bigger'. No real technical reason for me although I suspect the longer stem will make the steering less direct. The bike size was boarderline when I bought it and now fancy a little more space...

[snotrag]

Increasing stem length DOES effect the bike handling. Stem length and rise, along with fork Rake and head angle all facotr in the sharpness of the steering.

A longer stem will slow the steering of the bike - better for comfort. Also recommended if you find it hards to wrestle with the bars through rough sections.
It will also streth your back into a lower posture, better for efficient pedalling.

A shorter stem will sharpen the steering. It will make quicker turns easier, though too short will make the bike twitchy.

[rico]

Thomson Thomson Thomson Thomson Thomson Thomson

They're works of art

www.chainreactioncycles.com for UK shopping

www.aspirevelotech.com if you wanna wait for US shipping

[cannedheat]

ooh good call on that US site. Works out at £41 inc delivery for a Thomson stem. I guess there would be a bit of duty/vat to pay on that too or is that particular company good at marking their packages?

[mat205125]

There's a CNC billet stem on here that my mate bought for his hard rock, and was really satisfied with it.

It looks like a work of art, and is pretty light. For some reason, it is also dirt cheap.

I've got 31.8mm bars so didn't get one, but would look great and should suit your needs on the cheap.

www.orangebikes.co.uk/components/components.php

[Big Ashy]

cannedheat said:

Just to make the bike 'bigger'. No real technical reason for me although I suspect the longer stem will make the steering less direct. The bike size was boarderline when I bought it and now fancy a little more space...

If you want to make the bike "bigger", you will be better off going for a lay back seat post. This will give you the desired effect without making the steering a little vague which is what will happen with a longer than standard stem. As someone said before, Thomson for stems and seat posts, you can`t buy better. All IMHO of course!!

[pdV6]

Of course, moving the seat further back will affect the relationship of your legs/knees/pedals and possibly cause problems.

[rico]

cannedheat said:

ooh good call on that US site. Works out at £41 inc delivery for a Thomson stem. I guess there would be a bit of duty/vat to pay on that too or is that particular company good at marking their packages?

My Chris King headset was apparently worth $14...

[matthew_h]

Mr Heat, Sir,

I have just thing at home that may well suit you.

I'll dig it out tonight and see if it will fit the bill

Edited by matthew_h on Monday 16th April 15:46

[Big Ashy]

pdV6 said:

Of course, moving the seat further back will affect the relationship of your legs/knees/pedals and possibly cause problems.

Problems? really, like what?

Certainly not like the problems associated with longer stems!

[cannedheat]

matthew_h said:

Mr Heat, Sir,

I have just thing at home that may well suit you.

I'll dig it out tonight and see if it will fit the bill

Edited by matthew_h on Monday 16th April 15:46

cheers Matt.

[matthew_h]

It's a bit longer than I remember.

100mm 6 degree rise FSA XC stem.

Any good for you?

[matthew_h]

Oh, and it is brand spankingly new

[pdV6]

Big Ashy said:

pdV6 said:

Of course, moving the seat further back will affect the relationship of your legs/knees/pedals and possibly cause problems.

Problems? really, like what?

Certainly not like the problems associated with longer stems!

Seat position is crucial to avoid killing your knees. Assuming you have it right to start with, moving the seat further back to increase the cockpit length may well start to hurt after a while.

As ever, the best advice is to get the right size frame in the first place

[cannedheat]

UPDATE:

Eventually bought a Thomson Elite stem from www.aspirevelotech.com for ~£40 which is a pretty good discount on UK prices. No tax or duty to pay either on import as the box was marked as $14

Very happy with the stem and I've just had it fitted for free with a free service at Clive Mitchel bike shop in Truro. Stem looks ace in black, and the extra 3cm are exactly what I needed.

I now have a 60mm 7* Specialized stem for sale if anyone is interested...