Stems and Bars

LastGasp

I'm looking at replacing my stem, and possibly bars (road bike) as I think I'm too stretched on the stem I have. How are stems measured ? I was assuming centre of bolt to centre of bars, but if correct that would make my existing one 11.5cm which doesn't sound right.
Apart from that, have you lot any recommendations for good reasonably light bars and stems, (without going mad and paying over EUR200 for top of the range carbon ones - yes I know they can be a lot more than that !). Budget preferably less than £100 for bars, £60 for stem. Cheers LG.

blorg

Centre to centre, e.g. centre of the steerer to the centre of the bars.

Bars are a very personal thing, really depends on what shape, drop & reach dimensions, etc. you like yourself.

heffsarmy

Last Gasp, I would recommned going to http://www.irishfit.eu/bikesetup.html and get your bike setup properly, that way you will have a better I dea of the stem lenght, it cost 70euro. I had similar problems with my bike, bought 2 new stems thinking I was over streched, first one was a 90mm second was a 75mm and the one that came with the bike was 110mm, anyways after getting the bike turns out the 2 new stems were a waste of money as the 110mm that came with the bike gave me the best setup, after adjusting the saddle height etc. That after noon went out for a 100km spin and the bike felt so much better. Just sorry I did'nt go out sooner.

LastGasp

blorg wrote: »

Centre to centre, e.g. centre of the steerer to the centre of the bars.

Did you ever come across one that was not a whole number - 10cm, 12cm etc. Maybe it's just older than I thought !

[/quote] Bars are a very personal thing, really depends on what shape, drop & reach dimensions, etc. you like yourself. [/quote]

I think the bars on both my bikes could fairly be called "classic" style ! I know it's personal, but there's so much choice out there I was looking for a recommendation for good brands to narrow it down a bit, or are they all pretty good now ?

blorg

I believe they exist but certainly aren't very common. Are your handlebars 26mm?

JacksonHeightsOwn

i was told by the chap in irishfit to maybe shorten my stem just a wee bit, i have to admit, i definetly should, but just keep putting it off

my current one is a 110mm, i think ill drop to a 100, or even 90mm

should i pay big money for one, or something cheap, whats the difference?

abcdggs

chrisbonnie wrote: »

i was told by the chap in irishfit to maybe shorten my stem just a wee bit, i have to admit, i definetly should, but just keep putting it off

my current one is a 110mm, i think ill drop to a 100, or even 90mm

should i pay big money for one, or something cheap, whats the difference?

this sums it up

tunney wrote: »

Strong, light, cheap - pick two.

blorg

chrisbonnie wrote: »

i was told by the chap in irishfit to maybe shorten my stem just a wee bit, i have to admit, i definetly should, but just keep putting it off

my current one is a 110mm, i think ill drop to a 100, or even 90mm

should i pay big money for one, or something cheap, whats the difference?

Aesthetics, weight and stiffness, probably in that order. Stems are one of the least noticable parts of a bike IMO, and anything from a reputable manufacturer should be strong enough.

lescol

A useful site for bike fit:- http://www.bikedynamics.co.uk/guidelines.htm

I have a 100 Planet X stem and a set of FSA 42cm bars that I'd let you have very cheap!

Home:Ballyhoura

I don't think you can go wrong with 3T...I have the 3T ARX Pro - €26.78 and the 3T ARX team - €44.63 (available in 17 degree version too for same price which I use to get the same position on my training bike as my race bike because of different geometry) on two of my bikes, excellent value and performance and they even look great. Nice and light too, the 110mm 17° Team is 126.5g and the 120mm 6° Pro is 147.4g (basically the same stems besides colour stipe and the Team has Ti bolts to shed a bit of weight!)

NOTE: Both prices are including the 10% "XMAS" voucher - just enter the code in your basket to see the reduction! Happy days

Murph100

You can get 3T stems from £24 to £45 in Slane Cycles. The £45 one is the 'Team' version which seemed to be on 75% of this years peleton in the TDF. Its as light as anything else out there in the real world ( AX lightness is on another planet :rolleyes: ) stiff as hell and looks well. Spending anymore is nuts unless you MUST have a matching FSA/Ritchie carbon bar/stem setup.

As far a bars go, try an alloy FSA or Deda version of a shape you like first, usually about £50 ( Slane Cycles again ). Then at least if you want to go for a carbon bar you will know which shape suits you, it will cost you £150 ono extra for the 30g savings, well worth it eh ?

LastGasp

lescol wrote: »

A useful site for bike fit:- http://www.bikedynamics.co.uk/guidelines.htm

I have a 100 Planet X stem and a set of FSA 42cm bars that I'd let you have very cheap!

Thanks, but I reckon I'll have to go to 90mm, and I'll probably go for 40cm bars.

LastGasp

heffsarmy wrote: »

Last Gasp, I would recommned going to http://www.irishfit.eu/bikesetup.html and get your bike setup properly, that way you will have a better I dea of the stem lenght, it cost 70euro.

Thanks, I was thinking that might be a good move all right.

LastGasp

blorg wrote: »

I believe they exist but certainly aren't very common. Are your handlebars 26mm?

Yes, 25.4mm I think, using a calipers.

blorg

LastGasp wrote: »

Thanks, but I reckon I'll have to go to 90mm, and I'll probably go for 40cm bars.

Lots of 40cm bars cheap on CRC, it is the size that tends to get reduced.

I think half sizes like 115mm were more common with the older bar standard all right. You still see them sometimes but more often with shorter stems.