Little help with buying a carbon stem please

[Andrew_Culture]

Hello all, my stem is freakishly long and I think it's part of the reason my hands are going numb after about an hour of cycling.

I have a budget of about £30 so thought I'd have a butchers on Ebay to see if that would buy me a carbon stem, on the basis that perhaps a carbon stem might help reduce road buzz.

I'd appreciate some help as this is an area I know nowt about.

Here's the list of stems on sale...

I was thinking of THIS Ritchey or THIS FSA.

My current stem is an alloy ITM.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

[QUOTE 2339382, member: 259"]Have a look at Planet-X as well, they always have a few big bargains in stems and seatposts.[/quote]

Thanks, I always forget about Planet-X, THIS Deda stem looks interesting.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

[QUOTE 2339402, member: 259"]Yes it does - I like the description "Supplied in nice looking original box" [/quote]

Me me smile too.

 

[xxmimixx]

I got some interesting replies when I asked about a carbon stem
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/help-with-getting-a-stem.120648/

and apparently unless you spend hundreds the 'cheap' carbon only have a carbon wrap and internally are made of alloy.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I got some interesting replies when I asked about a carbon stem
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/help-with-getting-a-stem.120648/

and apparently unless you spend hundreds the 'cheap' carbon only have a carbon wrap and internally are made of alloy.

Thanks. What did you go for in the end?

 

[mattobrien]

How long is your current stem and how much are you looking to shorten it by?

Weight wise you could 'afford' a heavier stem, by making sure you go for a wee before you start each ride - more than likely to offset any weight penalty of a heavier stem

 

[xxmimixx]

Thanks. What did you go for in the end?

I didnt

 

[Hacienda71]

Get one of these lighter and cheaper than the Deda one you have linked to, It is not carbon either.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Get one of these lighter and cheaper than the Deda one you have linked to, It is not carbon either.

I certainly like the price!

I think I'm put off carbon now, on account of the advantage being 'naff all'

 

[fossyant]

90mm - are you a midget

Heh heh. I'd go for alloy personally. Just be careful buying some stuff off ebay that is carbon, or indeed FAKE Ritchey/Deda/FSA. If it's too cheap, there usually is a reason.

Alloy stems are usually stiffer and weigh about the same. Road buzz can be reduced by bar tape, and indeed the bars.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

How long is your current stem and how much are you looking to shorten it by?

Where are measurements taken from / to?

Here's my current stem:

 

[ianrauk]

Where are measurements taken from / to?

Centre of bolt on riser to centre of stem on handlebar.

If that makes sense.

 

[tigger]

At a guess that's either 120 or a 130. Not freakishly long by any stretch. If it helps, Wiggins rides a 140. The stem is the length you need to get the right fit. I wouldn't mess around unless you're sure you have too much reach. I doubt it makes your hands numb - tyre pressure, fork material, handlebar thickness, bar tape and your gloves will probably have a bigger bearing here.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

At a guess that's either 120 or a 130. Not freakishly long by any stretch. If it helps, Wiggins rides a 140. The stem is the length you need to get the right fit. I wouldn't mess around unless you're sure you have too much reach. I doubt it makes your hands numb - tyre pressure, fork material, handlebar thickness, bar tape and your gloves will probably have a bigger bearing here.

Cheers, if there's an option not to save money I'll go with it

 

[fossyant]

Looks like a 120. I ride 120 on the fixed and 130 on the road bikes. They also have a 2cm longer top tube.

Makes no difference to me. So check other issues out.