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Ive got a 2013 spesh carve pro. Ive moved the seat forward and loved the improvement and gave me more confidence on the front.
Stem is 90mm and was wondering if by shortening it will I get even more better handling?
I Do a 10mile trial 3 times a week. 2 mile on tarmac 8 mile trail and just by moving the seat forward made the trail part more fun and faster.
Can you borrow a shorter stem?
I run a short stem and although the handling is much snappier than with a longer stem, it is a bit of a compromise on the climbs since I find it harder to weight the front wheel and can sometimes feel a bit cramped.
That said, the benefits to the handling outweigh the negatives for me.
It's useful to play around with different lengths to find which works best (e.g. the best compromise).
The difference in handling between even small changes, for example 50mm and 60mm, is noticeable so definitely worth finding some mates and swapping stems for a few miles!
It is counter intuitive but have you tried lowering your existing stem?
This will put more weight over the front increasing grip and also possibly improving your pedalling position. Hard to say without knowing how you fit the bike but worth suggesting so that your covering all angles rather than just changing the stem.
On One CNC stem, usually £25 and brill (light plus strong).
Peterfile
Not sure how to go about lowering stem?
Im looking at it now and confused.
Sorry peterfile
Ment for captainslow
Not sure how to go about lowering stem?
Remove any spacers from underneath.
OP do you have a good local bike shop who can do a bike fit for you?
To lower your stem there would need to be some spacers underneath. Take one or two of the spacers and put them above the stem.
Have a look on the park tools website for instructions. If you are not confident please take it to your lbs.
if you've moved the saddle forward make sure you havent taken it too far forward as it will alter the way the pedalling loads are placed on your knees...
as all have said try a few different lengths if you can for the steerer, but also if you can look at trying to lower your current stem...if your stem has any rise then maybe changing the stem to something with less rise but the same length may work but only if you're happy with the current length..
personally i would suggest a 70mm stem with either 0/5/10 degree rise...
They have a number of short lengths from £13 or £19 if you want the lighter one.
It has 1 5mm spacer. Mite give that a go tomorrow.
Just got back from a 10 mile trail ride and think I need to bring the seat forward a bit. The last 2 mile is the tarmac journey home all up hill and I was on the front end of my seat.
spoke to someone from crc today and they have recommended me 70mm race face for £20.