Is Adjustable Stem the Answer?

[southcoastden]

Hi, I have a Boardman Sport road bike which I purchased form Halfords four months ago. It is a 55.5cm frame. Over a number of weeks I got the bike set up to where I wanted it to be but to achieve this I had to fit a shorter stem (120mm to 100mm) and move the saddle forward to the limit (this hasn't affected the the correct riding position of leg to pedals). I tried the smaller frame bike (53cm) and this was too small as I am 5ft 11in. Halfords were very helpful and suggested that I try fitting an adjustable stem to bring me 'up and back' slightly as there is about an inch and a half of spare saddle behind my bum when riding. I have no problem riding the bike and perhaps should leave well alone but wonder if an adjustable stem will have any benefit. Any suggestions or opinions please?

 

[Soltydog]

. I have no problem riding the bike and perhaps should leave well alone but wonder if an adjustable stem will have any benefit. Any suggestions or opinions please?

If you have no problem at all when riding, then don't waste any money on something it sounds like you dont need. Spend the money on something else for the bike though

 

[Panter]

Have you tried flipping the stem over? That will alter the geometry, and is worth a try before paying out for an adjustable stem

EDIT: Now I've actually read your post properly...
As above, if all's well, don't worry about it! But, if you want to try a higher stem, you could flip yours just to try it at zero expense.

 

[adscrim]

Did Halfords tell you a smaller frame was too small? If you've had to move the seat forwards and the handlebars back to get the 55.5 to fit, and you're still sitting on the front of the saddle) then maybe the 53 would have been fine.

I'm a little biased though at 5'11" and having two 53cm Boardmans that I think fit perfectly.

 

[uphillstruggler]

I reckon the shop is covering a miss sell. they did this to a girl at our swim club and had to refund all of the money when they took the bike back.

she has now been fitted to the correct size bike and is much happier.

 

[Trull]

Adjustable stems are the work of the devil, and will always loosen halfway down a lumpy 1:4 heading into double switchback bends with unguarded edges… they are however quite good at letting you find out exactly where you need to be…ask your proper LBS Salsa make good ones http://www.bikefit.com/p-65-salsa-size-omatic-stem.aspx

 

[lpretro1]

if you are having to fit one of those then the bike is the wrong size

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

The changes you've made echo of the bike being too big.

 

[southcoastden]

Thanks for your replies. To be honest Halfords have been very helpful and have offered to replace my bike with a 53cm frame model if this is deemed suitable. I have arranged to test ride one next week on their static set up to see if this is better. However, all of this should have been done when I originally purchased the 55.5cm bike.

 

[jagman.2003]

Would have to agree with the advice above. Sounds like the frame is too big.
Also I haven't got on well with adjustable stems. I had to Loctite it in the end to stop it moving.

 

[cyberknight]

Is it a medium or large frame ?
Medium would be about right imho but its hard to tell , i ride a small boardman road comp
at 5 foot 7 " with a 54 top tube .

 

[southcoastden]

Is it a medium or large frame ?
Medium would be about right imho but its hard to tell , i ride a small boardman road comp
at 5 foot 7 " with a 54 top tube .[/QUOTE]

Hi cyberknight, it is a 55.5cm frame which is classed as large. The medium is 53cm.

 

[cyberknight]

Is it a medium or large frame ?
Medium would be about right imho but its hard to tell , i ride a small boardman road comp
at 5 foot 7 " with a 54 top tube .

Hi cyberknight, it is a 55.5cm frame which is classed as large. The medium is 53cm.[/QUOTE]
If your comfy with the shorter stem then why not keep riding, my commuter is a bit too big and i have to use an 80 mm stem to make it give me the same reach as the boardman .As well as adjustable stems you can also get riser stems that will have the same effect but you cant tweak it as much .
IMHO , post a piccie on here with you on the hoods if your unsure and im sure someone will help , a rule of thumb assuming your seat height /set back is right is the front hub is hidden from view by the centre of the handlebar ( where it is in the stem ) when on the hoods as a starting point.