Help with stem size

redscan

Hi. I just got hold of a 2011 Langster and wanted some advice on stem length. I've never used drops before and coming from my Sirrus I'm finding them quite uncomfortable.

I know there is probably the issue of getting used to drops but I think the pain I'm experiencing in my neck isn't going to stop any time soon!

I don't feel stretched out when I use the flat part of the bars or even the corners. However, when I use the hoods I feel very stretched out. This is where I would like to spend most of my time because I want my brakes but it's just too uncomortable.

I'd like to be more comfortable here so I think the problem is the stem? It's 100mm and I've flipped it so it has a 6 degree rise. My question is is 90mm the way to go or even 80mm?

Also I'm 5 11 and the frame is a 56 so I don't think that is the problem.

Thanks!

smacl

I've had a similar problem going from flat bar to drops, and found changing from anatomical to compact bars made a big improvement, specifically that the drop position became the most relaxed position. (Cheers Doozerie!) I'm also going to be changing the stem, but for something slightly longer, and possibly adjustable though the the latter seem that popular.

In addition to shorter stems, you can also get increased angle stems to raise the bars a bit, or spacers to increase the stem height on the steerer, and can get some distance back through saddle position. Maybe get someone who knows a bit more about bikes to have a look at your setup, check this post for some more info. I'm still playing around with all these variables myself looking for the most comfy setup for my own bike.

FWIW, I don't think you get the real benefits from changing from flat to drop bars until you start using the drop position, where you get best access to the controls and aerodynamic advantage. I also find the drops feel more comfortable and secure than the hoods, particularly on poor surfaces where the more even weight distribution soaks up road noise better.

munsterleinster

Compact bars are the way to go.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=36060

macnab

At your height you may be at the upper limit of a 56 cm frame, if thats the case then you will need to make sure that the bars are at a suitably high setting i.e. all spacers underneath the stem and the stem offset facing up (as a starting point)

Greyspoke

Basically you need to try and replicate the position you had on the Sirrus - measure from the tip of the saddle to the grips on the Sirrus and compare that reach to where your hands would be on the hoods of the Langster then adjust the stem length to match. Personally I wouldn't worry about riding too much on the drops - I find I'm 99% on the hoods which, unless you're going downhill steeply, gives adequate ability to brake.
Also, compare the height difference between the saddle and the bars.

smacl

Greyspoke wrote: »

Basically you need to try and replicate the position you had on the Sirrus - measure from the tip of the saddle to the grips on the Sirrus and compare that reach to where your hands would be on the hoods of the Langster then adjust the stem length to match. Personally I wouldn't worry about riding too much on the drops - I find I'm 99% on the hoods which, unless you're going downhill steeply, gives adequate ability to brake.
Also, compare the height difference between the saddle and the bars.

Still moving between flat bar and drops myself, I found cycling a drop bar mostly in the hoods to be an uncomfortable choice, and until a recent spin spent mostly in the drop position was considering ditching the drop bars altogether. My grip in the hoods isn't as secure as on a flat bar, and my braking is poorer. If I use the hoods 99% of the time, which I had been doing, I'm not confident enough in the drops when it comes to the descents. I'm not convinced that replicating your hybrid position on a drop bar makes sense, as you're not going to get the advantages of the drop design. I think you're way better off to take time to set the bike up in such a way that you're comfortable in the drops as a primary position, and optimize that position over time as your body gets used to the new riding position.

Here's a short stem that adds some height which may be of benefit. I've ordered up one of these adjustable stems to help find my optimum position, and will probably replace it with a fixed stem at some point in the future once I know what I'm after. I'm going for the longer stem, as the frame is on the small side for me.

redscan

Thanks for your help.

I'm going to go with a shorter and higher angled stem for the moment but I like the look of those FSA handlebars!