Hey,
I am looking for a new stem for my specialized. I was looking for an adjustable model that will fit the one inch (threadless) steerer. I am tweaking my fit on the bike and would like to try a little more upright position, but not sure how much more upright.

Has anyone used the adjustable models? I haven't seen any online in 1".

Thanks in advance
Tim

Hey,
I am looking for a new stem for my specialized. I was looking for an adjustable model that will fit the one inch (threadless) steerer. I am tweaking my fit on the bike and would like to try a little more upright position, but not sure how much more upright.

Has anyone used the adjustable models? I haven't seen any online in 1".

Thanks in advance
Tim


Tim, you don't necessarily need a 1 inch model. Most 1 1/8th stems come with a shim included to fit 1 inch steerer tubes and there is nothing wrong with using them. I have been usint a 1 1/8th stem (Deda Newton) on my 1 inch bike for the past 3 years without any issues.

As for the ergo stems, try a search in mtbr's forum and you may find more info. They are common on hybrid and comfort bikes, so you may find a few reviews on them there. They can be very heavy, but if that isn't a concern, my suggestion would be to get one, use it until you find a comfortable setting, then buy a regular stem that puts you in the same position.

The Look ergo stem is pretty nice, and not a full on boat anchor, but it's on the expensive side. That stem, and the Zoom stem, are the only ones I have really seen, but both do the job they are supposed to do. They are just heavy.

Russ

Ritchey makes an adjustable stem (see www.excelsports.com), but it only comes in an 8, 10 or 12cm length. It also only changes angle, so it's not as useful as the expensive LOOK ergostem.

It would be cheaper to purchase a couple of cheap stems (try Ebay or Supergo) with an 84 or 85 degree angle and experiment with them. These stems will raise the bars about 2cm when flipped and shorten the reach by about 7mm. Combine the 2cm rise with an exchange of spacers from below the stem to above it and you should be able to find the position you need. If you have a carbon steerer, pay clsoe attention to the location of the expanding plug inside the steering tube. It must support the steering tube against the stem clamping force. If too many spacers are on top of the stem, then the plug will need to be moved down and a longer top cap bolt used. When you find your position you can resell the stem you don't need, and probably only lose $10-20.

As Russ mentioned, most 1-1/8" stems come with a 1" adapter bushing. If not, a bushing can be purchased separately. A 1-1/8" stem would have a lot better resale value.

You can also use a temporary change in your saddle position to get an idea of what a longer or shorter reach feels like. Move the saddle forward or back 1cm and see how it feels. If you find something you like, get a stem to produce this reach with your original saddle position.

It would be cheaper to purchase a couple of cheap stems (try Ebay or Supergo) with an 84 or 85 degree angle and experiment with them. These stems will raise the bars about 2cm when flipped and shorten the reach by about 7mm. Combine the 2cm rise with an exchange of spacers from below the stem to above it and you should be able to find the position you need.
I get confused. Would an 85 or 80 degree stem have more rise when flipped over? TIA

85 flipped = 95 degree and 80 flipped = 100 degree

Bigger the #, greater the "rise"

Everything i have for my other (MTB) bikes is 1 1/8 so getting another 1 1/8 seems like a good plan. I haven't ever needed a shim, and i don't think most MTB stems come with shims, but it seems like it will work well.

Weight really isn't as much of an issue, i would just like to mess with the setup, and being able to tweak the handlebar height/reach would be great. I have relitively longer legs and shorter torso and, so far, seem to like a more upright position.

Thanks for the advice,
Tim