Will making a change to my stem geometry drastically change how the bike feels?
My current stem (7 degree rise) is as low as can sit(moved spacers)and the bars (30mm rise 9 degree sweep) are lent forward to the point they're a bit like cow horns, so I guess this means I could benefit from a slightly longer stem with zero rise, but having not ridden loads of different bikes I dont know how much of an affect changing stem geometry would have?
Taking the wheels off will have a "drastic" effect on the way your bike feels. Not sure if I'd use the same phrase with regards changing the stem.
It will make a noticeable difference though. To test it out you can always try and flip your existing stem over to see how it feels. It may not fit flush but it'll give you an idea of how a lower stem might feel.
I like a small bike with a tight responsive /aggresive feel so I always choose a low and short cockpit setup, you'll probably find the longer stem will result in a slower more stable feel.
just flip your current stem and see how it feels.
you could try slidign your seat back a bit as well.
to me it sounds like you're trying to acheive a riding position at odds with the frame geometry - is your top tube too short or the front end very high (longer forks than frame designed for?)
good point, I'll try flipping the stem thanks.
17" P7 frame with fox vanillas so the set up is standard and fits very well, I just think I've inherited the bar-lent-forward bit from my old CW's when I rode BMX years back, oh them were the days....
