Does 15 mm make a difference? Yes. It does.
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- čas přidán 6. 05. 2020
- I recently picked up a 35 mm stem to replace my 50 mm stem on my enduro bike. I was skeptical, but it changed my bike in a very good way.
Strava: / strava
My new stem: www.chainreactioncycles.com/u...
It's been a few years, so here's an update on the trails and conditions. Enjoy!
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Dude this is so helpful I'm 6'1 with long arms as well, and was tossing up the hole stem length strategy. And this is exactly what I needed to see top video thank mate
No worries! I have decided from now on that I am going with the larger bike, then shortening the stem if the reach is too much.
I really like the way you describe the difference in feel after the stem change.
Thanks!
Thought I recognized that trail in SD! Going to try a shorter stem on this trail soon. Thanks for the convincing to go shorter!
No worries!
I had a lower back pain, even after a short single hour rides. My seat was already in a right position, so what I could try was shortening the stem by 20mm. It solved the problem.
That's awesome! I have some friends that have lower back pain, too. I'll have to pass that information along.
Good info !
Thanks!
Great video! On the install did you torque it down according to spec? Or just tighten it to where you felt it's tight enough and safe? Also, thinking about this upgrade, but the bike's on pavement a lot more than dirt trails; it's 60mm. It's more for aesthetics, to be honest, but I would like to come away thinking I'm getting some sort of performance upgrade, haha. Got to justify it!
Thanks! I can't remember if I had my torque wrench when I made this video. There's a good chance I was estimating. I don't know much about road riding, but I would assume if it's comfortable and it looks good, you're good to go!
Nice review
Thank you!
I also own a trek, a fuel ex 7 to be exact. I've recently used the minnow link flip chip and set it on the 'high' position not expecting too much of a difference. I never used the flip chip as I was also skeptical about its functions and thought it was a gimmik. The reason why I decided to experiment with the flip chip is because I've recently upgraded the fork from 140 to 150mm, a lyrik and noticed a slight difference in climbing and maneuvarability (probably because of the higher orientation of the bike from 10mm of travel increase and slight difference in offset increasing trail). I was surprised with how different the bike felt with such a small change to the geometry. The bike was more responsive in handling, the pedaling felt lighter, bike felt more planted on turns and the balance point shifted on the bike. In the 'low' position the bike felt a little more stable on the downs and chunkier stuff.
I recently picked up a Canyon Strive with the Shapeshifter on it. The change from the climbing position to the dh position is huge. It feels like two different bikes.
Those bars look so short.
I think stem length is all related to how the bike fits. For instance; I got a pivot trail 429 medium. I’m 5’7”. I was right in between sizes. So I can get the medium and get a short stem or get the small and get a Longer stem. I look at it as a way to fine tune the bike. Getting a 30 mm stem.
Those bars were 760. They were definitely short. I think that's a really good perspective. I'm in between sizes, too.
Have you done any sort of follow up to this? I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on climbing with the shorter stem after you’ve been on it for a bit.
I have not, but I did not notice a big difference in the way the bike climbs.
Finally!!! Hell yeah btw just a lil too slow for the rock.
Haha! I've had a few people have the exact same reaction. The corner going into the rock is so blown now, too. I clear it every time on my hardtail, but it's so much harder on my enduro bike. I'll get it.
I was thinking about changing the stem on my Marlin 5. I think it comes with a 90mm stem which is super long compared to what you even started with. Seems like if climbing is gonna be harder with a short stem then maybe that’s actually not a good idea for me. Great video on the topic
Thanks! If you can find a used one that someone pulled off of a bike, it might be worth to do a little experiment.
I’ve just got a Truvativ 40mm stem. Cheap and sturdy! Made such a difference!
"Why do you ride such a long stem?" when it's 50mm....
50mm is the most common stem length - it's not "too long". Singletracks has a survey up to figure out average stem length and bar length in 2020 and the average stem is 54mm so far, with 50mm being the most common (28%).
I think most trail bikes come with a 50 mm stem. My hardtail came with a 60 mm, and my enduro with a 50 mm. That said, I really did feel a big difference in the way the bike handles, in a very positive way. I put the 50 mm stem on my hardtail, and it became even more snappy and playful.
Now time for some high rise bars
Shortly after making this video I put on 800 mm bars with a 25 mm rise. Massive difference!
Just got a 50mm stem replacing the stock 75mm one that was on my hardtail! Can't wait to try it out tomorrow!
The main reason I got a shorter one is because the bike felt a little too hand heavy so I want to try and see what difference does it make.
Also got wider, 780 mm bars with a 30 mm rise instead of 760 mm + 20 mm rise. I feel like it's gonna be way more comfortable just sitting and pedaling around on flats, but also curious to see how it will feel on climbs and downhills.
So I now have quite a lot to play around with and I hope I will find a perfect combo!
Also have 2 spacers so I'll bring my tools, bars and stems on the ride tomorrow and hope I can test a few combos out.
I already mounted the 50 mm with the current, 760 mm + 20 mm rise bars so I'll test that out first, not to introduce too many variables at once!
From current aches and problems, I'm suspecting that the shorter, 50 mm stem + the wider 780 mm wide bars with 30 mm rise could be a bit too much upright, but I think it will feel awesome if I take 1 or both the spacers out.
In any case, thank you for the video and I will report my experiences after the ride!
Let me know how it goes! It sounds like you're making all of the right upgrades.
@@MTBTrailReview Wow, it's actually quite unbelievable to me how different the bike feels!
So here is my "journey" and how it actually feels to me:
Note before reading the essay lol
Still needs a lot more testing/trying out, but I'd say that anyone that has discomfort should try tinkering with the cockpit!
Borrow some different bars and stems or find used ones for cheap and test them out!
I was really close to looking for a new bike, but was able to get A LOT more comfortable by playing with this for $60 in the end!!!
The original setup was 720 mm FLAT bars + 75 mm stem and that felt absolutely horrific. Really uncomfortable all around for sitting, peddling, downhill, climbing everything LOL so I started googling etc, trying to find out if anything can be done to make at least something more comfortable, without breaking the bank.
So almost everything I read and watched mentioned wider bars and shorter stems and some combination of them. So I first borrowed the wider, 760mm bars with 20 mm rise and put them on the 75 mm stem. That made a big difference instantly. Way less hand heavy and downhills became way less scary with the wider bards. I was holding for dear life with the 720 mm flat ones lmao.
It still felt a little too hand heavy, so my logic was to get bars with more rise (30mm) and I got 780 mm so I can cut them down if needed/too wide.
So this was pretty much 200% more comfortable than the flat bars lol But what I noticed is that my turning radius was half a mile, so I bought a used 50 mm stem for $20 and it feels insane how much more direct the steering is.
The most noticeable things with this combo are:
1. 100%+ more stable on downhills with 780 mm bar compared to 720 mm,
2. way more comfortable with higher rise bars.
3. a lot more direct steering with the shorter, 50 mm stem compared to 75 mm.
4. the 780 mm bar + 50 mm stem = more comfort/less hand pressure, more confident downhill steering. (feels like the 780 mm offset some of the direct steering feel compared to 760 mm)
5. much easier to wheelie and manual now that the cockpit is closer to me
6. The only downside I noticed thus far is that steep climbs are harder/need to lean forward much more to keep the front wheel from popping up.
Hope this helps someone and makes them love their bike and riding even more :)
Did you go back to 75? Or anything over 50?
I'm in the same boat - went from stock 70 to 50 but the bike is super-edgy, even with 800 wide bar. Tempted to go to a 60mm stem now.
Interesting outcome I'm looking at changing stems just got new cube action team 160 comes with 50mm stem but be trying a cheap one first just incase I know a couple 5.8ft n 6ft guys that prefer the 50
Nice! It's pretty fun to try out different lengths and see how it changes the ride. Starting cheap is definitely a good idea.
Believe it or not, I can confidently tell a 5mm difference after switching from 40 to 35 mm length, although there was a slightly higher rise as well. Not sure about Strava, but I felt a noticeable difference on more twitchy, slow and steep downhills.
It's a minuscule adjustment, but it definitely matters.
good info , I went to a longer stem on my mtb because I'm a roadie lol.
Thanks! That makes sense if you're more used to that riding position.
I have a 2022 specialized rock hopper XXL 29ner . I'm 6' 4 . I think changing out my stem would be a big improvement. I'm using the stock stem. Its so long I can mount my over size cell phone horizontally with no problem. I'm not sure if I want to go with a 50 mm or 35mm. I do know like the look of a shorter stem for sure.
It really depends on your reach. Maybe start with a 50 mm. It would probably be pretty easy to find someone that pulled one off a stock bike and is selling for cheap. Good luck!
@@MTBTrailReview thanks for the tip
@@tallman145 No worries!
is the detriment to uphill something you will/have been able to live with though?
I have hilly terrain around here only with that there's as much up as there is down...I like down but don't want to be worse still than I already am going up 😅
I've found a few 40mm stems...but they're usually upper end of budget
I've barely noticed the difference going up, so I would say that it's definitely worth it. Check out www.chainreactioncycles.com. The Nukeproof parts are higher quality and a very reasonable price.
@@MTBTrailReview you see, I have a nukeproof bar. But I like the idea of the cold forged then CNCd Funn Crossfire stem...aparently cold forged stuff is sturdier than CNC only stuff and is only 2g heavier.
Hmm, decisions decisions
@@MTBTrailReview I suppose at least with the Nukeproof there's a 5° + or - rise option
Bawls to it!
I went for the 'Funn Crossfire' option instead.
I think it will be a stronger unit all round...I did however go for the 35mm option though, so, on your head be it if I don't get along with it 😅
@@weedfreer I think you'll be happy. Have fun!
I've ridden in Crest before but not this trail. Where is the trailhead? Looks so fun!
Nice! The climb up is the fire road right behind Wal Mart, then there are several different downhills you can take. I gave a couple of videos that lay it out in detail in you want to give it a go!
I’ll check it out! Thanks!
Wonder about the inverse of this as looking at a 50mm stem vs current 40mm medium frame top tube is a little short for me at 6"1 all torso 32" inseam
I bet it would help. You may want to look at different bars, too.
What trail system is this? Looks like fun!
This is part of Crestridge.
Thanks for the voice video. I have just bought a giant talon and standing at 5'10, my height was between medium and large frame. The salesman suggested to buy a large frame and now i feel the teach is too long and my hands are stretched. I made a research i can't up with the idea to go from an 80 mm stem to a shorter like 50 mm. So the main reason for me to use a shorter stem is bike fit. Do you think it's a good idea to shorten the stem to 50 mm? By the way, when turning i feel the steering not very responsive. My rad is 80 cm and bike's rad is 85.
Thanks
No worries! I think it's definitely worth trying. Get a cheap one to try it out, and then you can upgrade later if you like it.
@@MTBTrailReview 🙏🙏🚲
Hi, Any advice in how to do mountain biking without getting kill? my son is coming on December from his station he does mountain biking and I will like to get son experience before he comes so we can ride together. Thank’s.
Lots of practice and always make sure to ride within your limits. If you are hoping to really commit and want to make major improvements, you can always hire a coach. This is one of the best coaches in San Diego if you're interested in checking him out: stephaneroch.com/clinics%2Fcoaching%2Flessons-1
really cool that you're trying to improve at an activity to enjoy w your son. just by trying/asking you're a better Dad than 90%
like your videos. I'm a new rider would like to try this trail were is it and how do i get to it im in escondido,,thanks
.
Thanks! This is Crest in El Cajon, so it will be quite a drive for you.
@@MTBTrailReview thats not far for me where do you start from.thanks for replying
@@isaiassanchez2098 You can either start at the Crest Preserve or the Los Coches Park n Ride. Just a heads up, none of the trails are marked and none of them are on Trailforks.
You should look into wider bars too... not sure if it’s the video angle but your bars always have looked super tight. That would help compensate for the shorter stem as well...
I think wider bars next. Right now I have 750 mm bars, and I think I'm going to go to 800.
Nah it means he would need an even shorter stem
@@capelde I think if I get wider bars with a little more rise, it will help. Right now I have 750 mm bars with a 15 mm rise. I'm going to try 780 mm with a 25 mm rise.
@@MTBTrailReview yep that will work 👍👍 I got 50mm on my rail going to change it to 35 hopefully help with manuals cause I suck at them 😂😂
@@capelde Same!
I wonder if 45mm would give you a sweet spot for up and down.
That's a good question. I would say it probably depends on the bike's geometry.
I know that trail 👍🏽the crest
My local spot!
@@MTBTrailReview my sons and me that's are training bike area all the crest area
My bike was spec with 50 so I’ll leave it a 50 sucks getting Wondery front end
Mine was too, but I felt a little stretched out. I'm also right between sizes, and I went with the bigger size.
lol...that rock looks like a manatee coming out of the ground.
Haha! It does. I've never noticed that before.
What is the length of your handle bar.
The bars in this video are 760 mm. I have since gone to 780 mm.
Thank you sir!
What helmet do you wear?
When I made this video I had the Giro Montara. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, when it was time to replace that one they were sold out and on back order.
what trails were these?
This is Crest.
Is there a huge difference between 50 and 60mm?
I would try them both and see what feels best.
10mm, exactly.
So you're saying even with long arms it's better to go with shorter stem so for a short guy with normal arms for height, it's a no Brainer to go 35mm stem?
For reference, I'm 6'2" with a 6'5" wingspan. I really like the way the bike felt after swapping the stem. Really, it all comes down to personal preference, but it's definitely worth trying it out.
@@MTBTrailReview thank u 🙏
what trail system? Crestridge?
This is part of Crestridge.
@@MTBTrailReview What do you mean part of crestridge? You mean parts of the video feature crestridge? If so, where are those tabletops at the beginning?
@@WillG_MTB The table tops are part of Vail Lake. I'm still learning the Crestridge area, and I haven't figures out all of the boundaries yet. Once I do, I'll make a video.
@@WillG_MTB DM the OP for trail name pls. don't want surrons showing up and ruining errything
that's what she said....
Haha!
Good one.
I always believed that a stem should be neutral. The closer it is to the fork offset the better.
That's not something I had considered. I'll have to play with that idea.
What trail is this?
This is part of Crest.
Your handlebar is soo narrow man 🤘
Yeah, that's what I'm doing next. Right now I have 750 mm bars.
Yeah 780 is what we ride but it will negate the shorter stem you have, it will put you into that stretched out position again
@@capelde Very true. I'm pretty big, though, and if I get wider bars with more rise, it may help. I have a friend that has some wider bars with more rise than he is going to loan me to try before I make a purchase.
Very Steep that’s Flat where I come from try a 30% grade is steep.
Wow!
Those bars look like they feel terrible
I don't miss them.
Short stem is better
Agreed!
Unless you ride trails with steep climbs
Sorry, I turned your video off as soon as I saw your headphones. Pet peeve of mine but I just feel like wearing headphones on the trail is super rude and frustrating to other riders, hikers, etc. …
I completely understand. Coming up on people with loud music that aren't aware of their surroundings is extremely frustrating, which is why I keep the volume low. I keep the volume at a level where I can have a conversation without having to adjust it.
Wearing headphones on hiking trails is rude? Lighten up dude, you sound like a real a-hole.
I do the same thing as OP, and keep the volume low just in case I run in to people like you.