Currently I'm ridding on a S6 Dura Ace with 56cm frame and a 80 stem. I'm to the limit with spacers. Compared to my old bike, specialized s-works 54 cm, 90 stem, I'm about 1/4 of an inch lower on the handlebars with the S6. I having neck pain and I'm assuming the the pain is a result of handle bars being lower on the S6. My question is if I change the S6 stem and buy one with a rise, will this look sliy with the over size headset/frontend on the S6. Can this be done without looking stupid?

Absolutely not.

The fact that you could even ask this question displeases Style Man.

Just kidding man, seriously, before you start buying other stuff, just get the bike fitted properly by a professional. They'll tell you the problem.

I did get the bike fitted by the shop where I bought her. I have been back and forth many times on this issue. :mad2: They told me I was most likey out of shape and to push through it. The past 3 weeks I have ridden 150-175 per week. I not out of shape anymore and I'm still having the same issues.:confused:

They told me I was most likey out of shape and to push through it.

Sounds to me they don't want to do their job or they are nor very good at it.


Can this be done without looking stupid?

Stupid is riding a bike that causes you pain. Go for whatever works.

Doesn't the System 6 use a 1 1/2 inch steerer? Might be hard to find a aftermarket stem in that diameter.

What other suggestions do you all have? Like I said I'm to the limit with spacers, and it is not likey that I will find a decent stem that has a 1 1/2 inch steerer.
Thank you for the replys!

Lou1187,

you can use any standard 1 1/8 stem will work just fine with S6 fork, it might look a bit off but if it's work out OK with you then I would not worry about it.

FYI, the SystemSix stem is a standard 1 1/8 steerer... any 1 1/8 stem with work. Doh.. I just read the post above, ya, what he said.

Ok, I admit it, i'm not very smart when it comes to this stuff. I still don't really get it. Seems to me its like wearing a thimble as a condom!:blush2:

Lou1187,
you can use any standard 1 1/8 stem will work just fine with S6 fork, it might look a bit off but if it's work out OK with you then I would not worry about it.

This doesn't make any sense; how can you put a 1-1/8" (smaller) stem over a 1-1/2" (larger) steertube? You can't spread the opening to fit properly and if you could then the bolts wouldn't line up. The analogy about the thimble as a condom is brilliant for this scenerio.

because it tapers to 1-1/8".. I have a SystemSix with a standard FSA stem on it.. just like the Liquigas boys.

Can you show us a pic of your bike?

Use the power of Google:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2007/tech/probikes/?id=liquigas_cannondale_luca_paolini/Luca_Paolini_Liquigas_Cannondale_System_Six_front_ end

Relax guys read the post before you replied to the requestor on this forum, we are here to help other members should they have any inquiry.

The S6 fork is just like the Look HSC6 or the Ridley forks: the steer tube is 1 1/2 at the crown and tapers to a regular 1 1/8 where you clamp a stem on.

It seriously sounds like your shop sold you the wrong size: 80mm stem? Sounds like your top tube is way too long for you, but a smaller frame with a shorter top tube would also result in a lower head tube, which doesn't help you at all. Either way, it sounds like you need a proper fitting.

Try to stop craning your neck up to look down the road: roll your eyes upwards instead.