[Closed] Is my road stem breaking roadie fashion rules?

I think you are making judgements about roadies based on views expressed in forums, if the bike fits you then no one will care.
Or comment or even stop to think about it.

[i]what a difference the mods made - first ride out, 70 miles, about 20% of the fatigue and stiffness in my lower back, and much stronger on seated climbing[/i]

I'd stop worrying about how your stem looks 😉

other answer is to get a bikw ith a longer headtube so you can achieve the same position with a flipped/slammed stem.

yes

http://slamthatstem.com/

I have one stem flipped MTB style and on another bike it's the other way

Both bikes fit me well, that all I care about

I got a bike fit session with my road bike after suffereing back stiffness and fatigue on long rides.

When I first read this I thought you'd got a bike fit cause you were getting tired on long rides lol.

If everyone was capable of slamming it wouldn't be cool. At least you tried.

I know I should stop caring how the stem looks, and I've no intention to change back.

IMO riders in all genres have rules, spoken or otherwise about what looks right and wrong for that niche of cycling. I don't think roadies are better or worse than any other. Look how upset downhillers got with skin suits...

Anyway, tell me more about this slammed stem thing? For some one who is tuned in to that look, what does it say to them about the rider?

Yes - fashion says slam it.

But - far better to keep it where it is!! I am in the same situation!
[IMG] [/IMG]

http://slamthatstem.com/

I don't get it.

RealMan, weren't you seen running a few spacers and a positive rise on your road bike?

Yes. The uncoolness will slow you down far more than any back pain - get it sorted.

Maybe years ago when I first got a road bike and didn't know better.

[img] [/img]

No prizes for guessing what happened.

[img] [/img]

[i]No prizes for guessing what happened.[/i]

someone commented on the weeds under your fence?

😀

Not really my fence though.

Maybe years ago when I first got a road bike and didn't know better. No prizes for guessing what happened.

Someone pulled you up on using SPD's on a road bike and breaking the rules with your bar tape/saddle combo?

Someone pulled you up on using SPD's on a road bike and breaking the rules with your bar tape/saddle combo?

Oddly enough you're right there. However, there's still nothing wrong with spds on a road bike, IDK where people get that from. Also bar tape is now bright green. And there's a different saddle on there (that was just a temp thing off my bmx).

I've got spd's on my road bike too, and ride in my mtb shoes. Does this mean I was un-cool all along? What other roadie fashion crimes am I inadvertently commiting?

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

SPDs are fine. Mtb shoes.. grey area. As long as they're not like fivetens or covered in mud, you're probably ok.

nick craig did the sydney olympics road race with spd's and a peak on his helmet.

and nick is cool!

....And does this explain why no serious looking roadie has ever returned my greetings out on the road? 😉

nick craig did the sydney olympics road race with spd's and a peak on his helmet.

That must have really helped him 🙂
[img] [/img]

After a "let's see your road bike thread" most of the STW road bikes had their stems set to faux pas.

It's better to be comfy and ride faster/for longer than to strain yourself for the approval of a snob. As said you could change frames to keep your stem flipped, but that's a bit daft 🙂

Unless your bike's fancy and you're wearing the 'right' kit the snobs will probably judge anyway.

Simmer down buttercup. I'm all about what works on my road bike. Balls to the rules.

But if you are going to spout shit like:

If everyone was capable of slamming it wouldn't be cool. At least you tried.

Mmmmmmmkay?

Rule #34 // Mountain bike shoes and pedals have their place.
On a mountain bike.

SPDs are fine. Mtb shoes.. grey area. As long as they're not like fivetens or covered in mud, you're probably ok.

More top advice from a STW cycling expert.

I'd only ask two questions about this.
A) Can you ride longer - Yes
B) Do you enjoy your riding more - Yes (it seems that way from what you've written.

Therefore You've made the right decision haven't you. And them rules, who really cares about them except proper roadie snobs.

The "rules" are bullshit. I know it's a bit of fun, but, really just go and ride your bike.

If you slam your stem, your bike might look cool, but you'll look a dick with your belly banging your shins.

NC might not have finished the olympic rr, but he earned his place there, mtb shoes and all, he's still faster than probably everyone on here! 😉

I think I've only ever met Realman who thinks it is in any way important, and even he doesn't really take it seriously.

Get comfy, ride loads. Your position may change over time anyway, initially as you become more able to ride in a road position, then as you realise you can go lower or stretch out more, or that you are comfortable and efficient exactly where you are.

It's not about what the bike looks like in the car park, unlike certain other two wheeled hobbies.

btw, I am a roadie!!! 😆

It's better to be comfy and ride faster/for longer than to strain yourself for the approval of a snob.

it's better to have flexibility to get lower and go faster with less effort and still be comfortable.

If you slam your stem, your bike might look cool, but you'll look a dick with your belly banging your shins.

that's depends if you have a belly, those without a paunch will not be banging their shins.

Thanks for the rules - fascinating.

Current failure points:

No frame-mounted pumps.
Spare tubes, multi-tools and repair kits should be stored in jersey pockets
Shave your guns
Mountain bike shoes and pedals have their place (On a mountain bike.)
No visors on the road.
Never ride without your eyewear
Slam your stem
Slide your saddle back.
Espresso or macchiato only.
Ditch the washer-nut and valve-stem cap.
The Ride Starts on Time. No exceptions.
Never Get Out of the Big Ring
No Food On Training Rides Under Four Hours

if the bike fits you then no one will care.

Meh, I do (it does look a bit crap), but I'm an elitist snob. 😉

The Rules - whilst very firmly tongue in cheek are pretty accurate I reckon!

SPDs on a road bike is a no though RM.

Espresso or macchiato only

for the urbane roadie a piccolo or ristretto is perfectly acceptable.

SPDs on a road bike is a no though RM.

Even single sided ones?

[IMG] [/IMG]

(note the stem position 😉 )

nice bike, appears compliant, but note the following advisory:

Rule #26//Make your bike photogenic.

Valve stems should be at 6 o’clock

I ride my bike to break my legs not my back.

if your that bothered get a fork with a longer steerer tube.

if your that bothered get a fork with a longer steerer tube.

Not an option:

Rule #45// Slam your stem.

A maximum stack height of 2cm is allowed below the stem ....

my results

No frame-mounted pumps. - [b]no a mini[/b]
Spare tubes, multi-tools and repair kits should be stored in jersey pockets - [b]nah small saddle bag.[/b]
Shave your guns - [b]been there once, not again[/b]
Mountain bike shoes and pedals have their place (On a mountain bike.) - [b]or my road bike (white shoes)[/b]
No visors on the road. - [b]agree[/b]
Never ride without your eyewear -[b] agree[/b]
Slam your stem - [b]nope horizontal with spacers[/b]
Slide your saddle back. - [b]no its just right[/b]
Espresso or macchiato only. -[b] reg italian black[/b]
Ditch the washer-nut and valve-stem cap. - [b]yes but by accident[/b]
The Ride Starts on Time. No exceptions. - [b]yes agree[/b]
Never Get Out of the Big Ring - [b]often a SS so no choice[/b]
No Food On Training Rides Under Four Hours - [b]unless in the pub[/b]

No frame-mounted pumps. - no a mini
Spare tubes, multi-tools and repair kits should be stored in jersey pockets - yes.
Shave your guns - for racing only or riding on the continent.
Mountain bike shoes and pedals have their place (On a mountain bike.) - flashy white/silver/black disco slippers are compulsory.
No visors on the road. - agree
Never ride without your eyewear - agree
Slam your stem - yes, 1 small spacer above headset stem flipped down
Slide your saddle back. - no, get a bike witht the correct seat angle/top tube.
Espresso or macchiato only. - see previous post, artisan roasted beans and no lifting little finger while drinking.
Ditch the washer-nut and valve-stem cap. - cap yes, washer no.
The Ride Starts on Time. No exceptions. - yes agree
Never Get Out of the Big Ring - no, spin for the win.
No Food On Training Rides Under Four Hours - no. eat little and often on the move, no stopping at all apart from at the end of ride for espresso.

Even single sided ones?

They're just about acceptable. These ones would be better:

[img] [/img]

Egg beaters must be OK - especially if they say Look on them?

Look at it this way: with a higher stem you'll be able to spend more time on the drops as they'll be more comfortable too.

Egg beaters must be OK - especially if they say Look on them?

So you mean Look 4x4s.

And no.

I've got those on this one, njee

[IMG] [/IMG]

I understand it's hard to tell from the pics, but the ones on the road bike are more expensive and lighter:

[img] [/img]

I'll allow them then! Which are they, the Xpedos?

I actually really liked the Dura Ace ones, a friend liked them so much he bought about 4 sets when they discontinued them, last time I talked to him he was still on the originals, 13 years on!

I'm using these on my roadbike at present
[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHO6o9_TRdix3SOrfR_CRgZwlTq50f92UWrVf_zLVOt4TgZgQ [/img]

GW, I would have thought these wouldn't be compliant. But I'm just learning.

I have Time carbon ATACs when I winterise [?] a bike, It allows me to use my Shimano Winter boots

compliant with what?

Rule #34 // Mountain bike shoes and pedals have their place.
On a mountain bike.

I don't think SPDs are really mtb specific pedals though. That rule is more referring to flat pedals and mtb shoes such as 5:10s.

Wouldn't say there's anything wrong with these..

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/bg-s-works-mtb-shoe-ec025559?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

compliant with what?

The rules. Haven't you read the thread?

I actually really liked the Dura Ace ones, a friend liked them so much he bought about 4 sets when they discontinued them, last time I talked to him he was still on the originals, 13 years on!

That Hotta is 15 years old, and the DA pedals have been on it from new - still spinning sweetly. Though to be fair it doesn't do much mileage and gets looked after (still on original cassette and 2nd chain IIRC). I had a set of Ultegras on the previous road bike, but wore them out - though they weren't anywhere near so well built as the DA ones. I was wishing I'd stocked up on DA ones until I discovered the Xpedos (not the same quality, but more bling).

Mmm, I've still got a set of the Xpedo Mountain Force ti/ti MTB pedals in the spares box, developed horrendous play, but didn't weigh a lot and worked well - for a while!

I don't think SPDs are really mtb specific pedals though. That rule is more referring to flat pedals and mtb shoes such as 5:10s.

You're wrong, the only acceptable SPD pedals are those like aracer uses, a proper road pedal, just with a smaller cleat. Stop trying to defend yourself.

Mmm, I've still got a set of the Xpedo Mountain Force ti/ti MTB pedals in the spares box, developed horrendous play, but didn't weigh a lot and worked well - for a while!

Yeah I had some of those with the same result. Wouldn't buy more for off-road use, and it did make me think twice about these - the bearings and seals are the same. But so far so good - just keep them clean and don't use them in the mud.

Reading rules makes no difference to how I make choices..
blindly following rules is for folk like njee and al. I prefer reasoned assesment

I use these road pedals,

[img] http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/public/3ugACOWQM6HJcKhKJtodf4vfMUZ1-IlQd9a0FLAnB9cDJ2R3BIA3fY0FTZcx5GbxGLjXLLHKyX03wwFn67vgDHqEktAUbkhL0bXjdqhD1ChwTrQEeX42ylbLyuEbGsnehIQsCzH2PwLhodHzg6YDUTJJ-LCTJZ58Y_fKB6MJvGo [/img]

I run 40mm of spacers post bikefit and it improved so many things (I could achieve it with an angled stem)

Also check out how Floyd Landis' old bike

[img] [/img]

I'd rather be comfy than satisfy a group of 40 year old strangers on an MTB forum.

Also check out how Floyd Landis' old bike

He must have been on drugs to turn up to a race with a stem like that!

You're wrong, the only acceptable SPD pedals are those like aracer uses, a proper road pedal, just with a smaller cleat. Stop trying to defend yourself.

😆

Nah spds are alright, they're pretty cool.

He must have been on drugs to turn up to a race with a stem like that!

That's nothing, check out Vladimir Karpets' TT bike (brace yourself)

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[img] [/img]

OP - have you got a picture of your bike?

I prefer reasoned assesment

Because reasoned assessment yields DX SPDs as the most appropriate pedals for road use 🙄

You'd be really popular in a crit, pedal strikes ahoy!

That and, well, you're you.

For [b]My[/b] road use, yes!

Baaaaaaaaaa... njee

OP - have you got a picture of your bike?

I'll put one up tonight

so i take it wearing a camelbak is out of question then???

ps also stem flipped up and has been agreed that is correct for me when i had a bike fit done

I am some other in the club I ride in use SPD's on our winter/grubby wheather bikes. I use then all year round as my winter/grubby weather bike is my year round bike.

Ignore "road fashion rules" most roadie's don't care anyway neither do the members of the decents clubs. Really if it works for you use it.

I have a pair of road pedals on the nie bike for TT in the dry and I hate walking in them. Last Thursday when getting ready for that evening's TT I nearly broke my neck with the those bloody shoe's.

I've got a 53cm road bike with a 120mm 5 degree upward rise stem and about 1cm of spacers under it!

I win/lose.

GW - Member
Reading rules makes no difference to how I make choices..
blindly following rules is for folk like njee and al

A reference to me?

Don't recall where I said I follow them either! I said they're tongue in cheek, but a good way not to look like a tool (to paraphrase). No reason that should bother you, I contravene them in several ways. There are several purely aesthetic things I agree with though, glasses outside helmet straps for example.

Nah spds are alright, they're pretty cool.

No they're not. And it's against the rules. Again, you're wrong.

See what a moron people think you are with the stem slamming now?

And there are undeniable performance advantages to road bikes, for all, unlike a slammed stem!

njee20 - Member

Don't recall where I said I follow them either! I said they're tongue in cheek, but a good way not to look like a tool (to paraphrase)

Well, make your mind up.

What's wrong with that? They're a good way not to look like a tool, but I certainly don't religiously follow them! ie, I look like a tool!

Certainly wouldn't compromise anything to follow them, I'll leave that for RealMan 🙂

why has no one mentioned that no stem should be less than 130mm. Even if you ride a 48cm bike...

Why would not following them 'make you look like a tool'?

And as you don't follow them, why would you care?

a sloped or rising angled stem was always referred to as "up bank" .....need to be said with yorkshire accent!

a sloped or rising angled stem was always referred to as "up bank" .....need to be said with yorkshire accent!

Let's face it, 'The Rules' have been adopted as gospel by the exact same sad, judgemental,self-deluded, imaginagion free, pro cyclist wannabees and try hards that they set out to satirise.

They now exist primarily as way for the closed minded to bond and identify each other. 😀

The OP clearly doesn't understand the need for suffering for the art. Get it slammed and embrace the pain.

Hmm, so my (steel) road bike set up with an 11-32 cassette, long cage XT rapid-rise mech, bar-end shifters, PD-M647 pedals and On-One Midge's might be pushing it a bit then?

At least it's a 0º stem ...

😉

Why would not following them 'make you look like a tool'?

And as you don't follow them, why would you care?

Oh FFS! They offer a comedic self-deprecating view of cycling. I worry about anyone who thinks otherwise. However, a lot of the things in there I personally think do look pretty daft on the road, either aesthetically:

- mis-matched team kit
- glasses inside helmet straps

Or performance wise:

- peaks
- Camelbaks etc

There are plenty that are stupid (but clearly tongue in cheek):

- (>130mm) slammed stem
- saddle back

But as said, anyone who actually takes them [i]seriously [/i]is an oaf!

Edit:

Let's face it, 'The Rules' have been adopted as gospel by the exact same sad, judgemental,self-deluded, imaginagion free, pro cyclist wannabees and try hards that they set out to satirise.

Spot on.

a peak impairs performance?

Personally I find they get in the way as you have to crane your neck to look out from under it, so it's less comfortable than riding without one. Particularly on the drops. YMMV.

MM does indeed V!

Particularly on the drops

drops are just there for looks, well that's what a lot of people with road bikes think they are there for because they rarely reach down that far. 🙄