stem size?

[deano]

i think my current stem is too short...my front wheel comes up on the climbs and my saddle is as far back on the seat post that it can, otherwise i feel like i will endo on steep descents

I dont know if this can be answered without looking at my bike, but what size stem should I be using for a Giant hardtail frame size medium (19")??? I don't want to purchase the wrong size only to go through the hassle of returning it and waiting for a new one. I am 5'8" tall if that helps. Thanks.

[AA]

deano,

It is really difficult to determine if someone is using too short a stem without seeing them on the bike. That being said it is better to have too short a stem than too long a stem. The short stem can be a problem while climbing seated however it will increase control on the downhills.

Perhaps you could refine your climbing position on the bike. If I am climbing a steep hill, to keep my front wheel from feeling "floppy" I move forward on the seat and put my body in a neutral position (trying to center my weight enough to keep the rear wheel hooked up and front wheel from being too light).

Your seat position, height and position on the rails should be set to optimize your pedaling and then the stem length should be chosen based on this. If your frame is sized properly your stem length will most likely be between 100 and 130 mm

I think you should take your bike to your local shop and see if they will help you.

good luck

[CouchingTiger]

I agree w/ AA. You need to be fit to the bike properly and THEN determine the stem length. Also, the front end lifting on ascents is also a function of technique though bike setup can and will contribute to or be a core cause of this.

You should set the saddle in the proper position for leg extension and lower leg angle. Rule of thumb is that the line between the knee pivot and the ankle pivot of the leading leg should be vertical at 3/9 o'clock on the pedals. From there, get a stem that feels comfortable to you.

Climbing vs. descending will ALWAYS be a compromise. A bike that descends well will NEVER climb as well as a bike designed to climb. A DH bike for instance has a short (bike TT and stem), high and slack front end and a long/low rear end which makes the rider's center of gravity low and back and the hand position high for better leverage.

An XC climber will have a much higher certer of gravity with the rider high in the saddle and more centered on the bike, a low, long (bike TT and stem) and steep front end and a short and high rear end.

From there it's all going to be a compromise.

I now run a shorter stem and higher front end on my XC bikes than when I raced. Because of that I have changed my ride style. I spend more time climbing standing up and use less upperbody on seated climbs (because the front end will lift if you don't).

-Couch