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Going from a 750mm bar to a 780mm and wondered if it's better to stick with a 50mm stem or go for a shorter 40mm stem. I vaguely remember some theory that with a wider bar a shorter stem was recommended? 😕
In theory, yes. In practice? Try what you've got, rotate the bars a bit, try again etc.
No point changing something unless you need* to.
*or want to 🙂
what stem have you got?
I'm looking to move from a 40mm to a 50mm
Dont overthink it. A shorter stem can make it harder to get weight over the front tyre. Have a look at Ritchie Rudes' setup, 750 bar 60mm stem.
Try it with the 50mm stem first, and if it feels too slow, then try a shorter. For me 50mm is really short enough, I've used 35mm stems, but find it harder to get decent front end grip.
Change one thing at a time.
Be prepared to find out that your personal preferences are not fashionable.
(I prefer 740mm bars and a 60mm stem, to a 780/35 combo)
Looking to change the bars to Chromag Cutlass Carbons, a) because they look cool as fark, b) the dimensions look spot on and c) i hear they're a little flexier than other carbon bars so keen to see if they improve comfort. My OCD demands I have a matching stem, so looking at Chromag Rangers which I can get with 50% off atm, tempted to buy both 40 and 50mm and just send one back!
@Vortex racing, its a Whyte branded 50mm stem, 31.8mm clamp
The only way to find out is to try it.
Regardless of bar width (I run 800's) I run a 50mm stem as I don't like the characteristics of running a really short stem.
I doubt you'll need a shorter stem unless the current one is really too long. Bear in mind that a wider bar shortens the effective stem length anyway, because of the greater backsweep.
I swap between 740 for local riding and 800 for away trips, both with the same 50mm stem. I have a 35mm stem and 740 bars on my hardtail because that bike has longer reach than my full-sus. The shorter stem does give a quicker steering feel but it isn't as stable through the rough.
Ignoring any theories about stem length for the moment, wider bars spread your arms and thus reduce your reach. You'll lean forward more. This may created an ineffective position needing the saddle adjusting etc. Might not be an issue of course.
Dont overthink it
very much this.
@Vortex racing, its a Whyte branded 50mm stem, 31.8mm clamp
pity I was after a 50mm Renthal Apex 🙁
Ordered a 50mm will see how I get on 🙂
Is more weight over the front wheel a bad thing? There's more bollox talked on here than practically any site I've ever been on