Handlebar Stem - upgraded finally...and the result?

[Lavender Rose]

I have had to really look into my cycling position as my lower back is really having issues, I am having treatment and strengthening/yoga exercises for it. But I have made my seat a little lower and the saddle more forward as I was riding a little high as there was no bend in the leg when it's in the 6pm position.

I then felt like I was reaching forward and down for the handlebars. I took it to the bike shop and they put me on the trainer so they could see my position, they were pleased with my adjustments but they did point out my handlebar stem was angled down (I have never changed this from the stock set up) so they removed the standard 100mm and replaced with it a 70mm stem angled up slightly around 7 degrees instead. I felt immediately better and I felt a little bend in my elbows which should help with the pins and needles I get (despite wearing nice gloves!)

Overall, really happy I have finally decided to change it - especially ahead of Tuesday's duathlon. I have a feeling that finally things may be coming together!!

 

[Lavender Rose]

Yup. I have two Specialized bikes, both 54cm frame, which is ideal for my height. I think unfortunately I have long legs and a short body and short arms

 

[lazybloke]

How's the steering? I've used a 70mm stem for decades but on my xpecialized it feels a bit twitchy.
Might go up to a 90mm.

 

[Lavender Rose]

I will have to adjust the way I steer to accommodate the shorter stem - I have not ridden it yet, might take it for a spin around the block later to work out any further adjustments before Tuesday

 

[lazybloke]

I will have to adjust the way I steer to accommodate the shorter stem - I have not ridden it yet, might take it for a spin around the block later to work out any further adjustments before Tuesday

Am mostly used to it but occasionally wobble when at speed or if I lose concentration.
Don't lose concentration at speed!

 

[Drago]

The steering geometry remains unaltered. It may react differently to steering input, but ultimately the take, trail and castor are unaltered.

 

[Lavender Rose]

Yeah I kinda see what you mean.....I guess with the shorter stem it could influence the turning angle of the wheels. I will bear that in mind to stay sharp

 

[youngoldbloke]

Never had a problem with this - takes about 20 seconds to get used to any difference

 

[Kajjal]

Roughly speaking the shorter the stem the more reactive the steering is. Going by the frame size you mention it will be no problem at all and you will quickly get used to it.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

I rang a mountain bike specialist the other week as I wanted to go from a 90mm to a 120mm you would have thought I was speaking heresy to him, all sorts of things would befall me, he'd never fit one of those, steering would be slow, it would almost be dangerous, so I fitted one none the less, it's brilliant, far more comfortable for me.