Stem length(s)??

[tba]

Well, finally got my new (second hand) trials bike.

It's a hell of a lot easier to throw around than the old street/dj bike!

However, it has quite a long stem on it (about 150mm). What stems do most guys use?
I'm guessing it's pretty related to height??
I'm about 172cm.. this long stem just feels unatural, but i'm not sure if that's just coz i'm not used to the feel of a trials bike at all, or if it's coz i'm a shorty

Cheers in advance

[jda]

What bike is it? Mod (20" wheel) or Stock (26")??????

[gbowen444]

You are going to have to supply more infomation than that. Without knowing what bike you have, it is impossible to say. Trials stems vary from 100x5deg all the way to 165x30deg, depending on frame type, length, BB rise, riding style, etc, etc.

150mm stem sounds like a mod stem but what is the angle? Generally higher BB frames have longer and steeper stems as do mods. Shorter stems tend to be easier to bunnyhop too, but alot comes down to personal preference.

Also hoping on to a trials bike after riding a DJ, is going to feel weird no matter what as the geometry is very different and can take a while to get used to.

[---Matt---]

I believe he's referring to the 26" Monty he bought off ebay - see here: http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=96924

If so, I'm 6'2" and running a 120mm stem on my pure and I wouldn't want it much longer. I know the Monty's have very different geometry and I think I'd give it a couple weeks of riding before you start changing anything.

As gbowen444 said, trials bikes are very different bikes to master.

[tba]

Thanks fellas

Yeah, it's that monty that was on ebay.

I used to have a stubby stem on my dj bike, so i'm pretty used to that.

I'm finding this long stem is great for playing round on my front wheel and stuff (can already get a few hops on the front wheel), however, one reason i think it's a bit long is that even with my arms fully extended and butt right back my weight isn't very far back. I struggle getting it up into a manual, something i'm very used to on the old dj.

I've found a 100mm stem on ebay for like $5 at the mo. If it doesn't go oup much i'll prob just take it. What's $10, if it's no good i'll just sell it.
Unless some local newy guys have a short stem I could give a go just to see if that's better.

But yes, as many have said, and I suspected, getting used to a trials bike will take a while.

Cheers

[tba]

P.S. it's 15degree rise

[jda]

150mm is too long for stock frames, I'd suggest a 120mm x 20 degrees or maybe a 110mm.

It depends how much BB rise your bike has too, low BB (0mm -20mm rise) usually use lower stems (5-10 degrees).



I'm 170cm tall and use a 130mm x 17 degrees stem, my bike has 35mm BB rise.

Hope that helps!

[tba]

BB rise is 0mm.

Just bought a 100mm 17degree Ritchey stem off ebay.

See how that goes.
I'd like to try somethng short like a 50mm too just to see what it's like.

[disappearin]

im running a 110x8 degree on my BT 7.0. i tried a shorter stem but didnt like it. it also depends what bars you are running? some people use mtb style riser bars but i like the trials bulge bars.

[jda]

Anything less than 100mm is a waste of time on a trials bike, your new one should feel good.

[tba]

Yeah, I got all motivated and moved over my whole stem and bar from my old bike to see how it felt. It's a about a 60mm stem with bugger all rise. It wasn't tooo bad. Felt a bit funny, however, it's got pretty narrow bars, which were terrible.
However, i'm thiking this 100mm could be the go!

How often/likely do you guys break stems?
Is this Ritchey stem likely to be reliable? Or do i need to spend some bigger $ on a stem that won't snap mid hop when you least want it to?

[Povi]

sorry mate, do you know the dimensions on that stem???

[tba]

100mm, 17deg rise, 26mm clamp, 1 1/8inch steerer

[jda]

It should be ok but you never know......

This my mates but I've never broken one.

[tba]

well, i got the 100mm 17deg rise stem.. and after about half an hour, ditched it for the 150mm again. I felt a bit more neutral on the bike just rolling around on flat ground. However, hopping on my back wheel, and gettin onto 2ft high walls was a bit hard, as i just felt a bit cramped on the bike.

I'm now hunting a 130mm stem.. perhaps even a 120mm.

Would 8-9deg rise be ok, or should be trying to find something around 15+???

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I'm loving this trials bike. Been out the last two days.. my forearms and triceps are aching (possibly from stretching alot with the long stem).. but it's so addictive!!!!

Now i just need to find where the local Newy trials riders are hiding!

[tba]

P.P.S.

How's this look.... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Kore-Race-MP-MTB-Stem-130mm-x-7-25-4mm_W0QQitemZ320157230761QQihZ011QQcategoryZ22694Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem

Here's pic of my bike with the 150mm stem.. just to give an idea of where the bars currently are..

[disappearin]

120-130 will be fine. you'll have to chase up some of the newy boys, they have been doin a bit of riding out at dudley on the rocks near the beach. they should be able help you out with setup.