Giant Anthem Stem Size Advice?

I have a 26 Giant anthem x3 and need some advice on stem sizes. I have always been a big fan of Renthal and been using there gear on motor x bikes for years. I bought the Renthal fat bar lites for my mountain bike, and I was interested in the Renthal duo stem. Renthal only do a 50mm version on there stems which I thought would be ok but after reading about people saying the 50mm stems is not ideal for a cross country bike and especially the anthem. I currently have the standard giant connect 110mm stem which is a bit to long for me and I prefer the shorter stem as I am a fast trail type of rider. My bike has overdrive which to be honest I don’t really know much about it just thought I would mention it incase that effects choosing a stem.

If it helps I am around 5ft9 to 5ft 10 and the stem must fit with the renthal fat bar lites. I also like a stem with a bit pimpy style to it lol :). Here is a link to my anthem (mine is the medium 18 inch). If you click on geometry It will give you the exact geometry of my bike. Thanks!

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/anthem.x3/9028/48889/

I nearly went for 50 on mine, but chose 70 and I’d say it’s ideal (for me).

Thanks for the quick reply , do you know of any good quality stems? I am thinking the 70 would be perfect.

Overdrive is your problem. See click here

Looks like it’s a Giant stem for you then.

Yeah thanks for that, Pain in the ass lol I still don’t have a clue what overdrive is so I’m just guna presume my bike has overdrive 2 with it been 2012 model. I hate giant components to 🙁 apparently on that thread you linked me there is a couple other companies that specialise in overdrive stems thanks will check them out. Just hope I can find one that will support my bars! :L

I’m sure Overdrive 2 only came on the X1 model, I own one and have been through this finding stem malarkey, and the rest of the Anthems had Overdrive which is just the normal 1.5″ to 1″ 1/8 taper. Just measure the top of your steerer.

Yeah I feel you its a big fath on to find a overdrive stem I guess its just another way giant try to get money. Yeah I will do that I looked on my bike on the giant site and it does not mention overdrive anywhere least if it does I cant find it. So if my bike has overdrive (not overdrive 2) will this mean normal stems will fit. Sorry for my lack of information just found out what overdrive is and this is my first stem upgrade lol. Also what was the main reason why giant brought overdrive out if not for money making purposes? Cant imagine it improves performance in anyway.

Yeah I’m pretty certain “normal” size stems will fit, but like I say give it a measure.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/technology/overdrive/50/

To quote Thomson…

“A few bike companies are shipping new bikes with the “Overdrive” standard stem. This means a 1.250 inch steerer tube instead of the now standard 1.125 inch steerer. It also can mean a 35mm diameter handlebar clamp instead of 31.8mm.”

Thomson on Overdrive[/url]

As antares says, measure your steerer diameter.

Either way I think you’ll still be restricted to Giant stems. I’ve not looked too hard mind, my 2010 Anthem X is 1.125.

I take it back! Good find antares!

Yeah I have and your right my bike has overdrive not overdrive 2 , thanks for your help you have saved me buying a wrong stem. Now just to decide what stem size I need (00)

Any one thing this is a good stem that will suit my needs?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thomson-Elite-X4-MTB-Handlebar-Stem-70mm-Length-/350740117883?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item51a9bd797b

I went for Easton Haven 70mm on my 2011 Anthem. Just right for me. The original Giant 110mm stem lasted just 2 days on my bike. Don’t know much about the Thomson stem I’m afraid but should be a good un with their reputation. You’re lucky you haven’t got overdrive 2, that would be a dealbreaker for me.

Yeah Nigel I am relieved that I do not have the overdrive 2, there has been people saying they are to stiff as well as been stuck to the giant stems. Cool Easton stems are supposed to be great to, I am very tempted to buy this Thomson. Yeah I don’t know how I have lasted 3 months on the giant stem lol.

You need to look at stem and bars together. I have a 2010 Anthem, which came with 680mm bars on a 110mm stem, but now has 730mm bars on a 70mm stem (CarbonCycles – £13.24, may as well spend as little as possible unless you are sure exactly what you need).

That is a cool looking bike my bars are 740mm with a 30mm rise but I am considering cutting them down to 690mm, Still need more riding on it to make sure. I dot know much about this I guess I can only try and see how it rides with the stem.

You may know this already, but before you cut your bars down move your controls and grips inboard to where you think you want them and go ride and experiment. And take your time.

Before I cut my bars I rode with a 80mm stem – then swapped to 70mm which felt better. When I had everything feeling just right I cut my bars down – and even then I left them just a bit wider thinking I could always trim them again. I am very glad I did. As soon as I swapped my layback seatpost for a Reverb (inline) I found I wanted the bars just a bit wider to make up for the new position… 730 is fine, but if I were starting again I think I’d be at 740 or even 750!

Yeah I have mine like that now but I need a 70mm stem to properly experiment to, I can get a 70 mm Thomson stem of the net for really cheap but there selling fast . I think I should get them and see how if feels but it really is quite a headache to choose a stem, there are so many factors to consider. I guess Ill just need to buy the stem and see how it feels.

thanks for your help 🙂

Just bought A easton haven 70 mil stem, will see how it goes thanks for all your help!

I have a 70mm stem on mine with a really wide Easton Havoc bar. It’s a nice setup, I think you’ll like it.

Yeah was going to go for the Thomson x4 but reviews where there both as good as each other but apparently the easton supports wider bars better like mine. With the easton been cheaper it was a no brainer so got it with a nice gold faceplate to match my bars. Looking forward to seeing how they go

Just like to say the stem fits fine and its great so can confirm overdrive (not ovd2) supports normal stem perfectly 🙂 thanks for helping me clear it up everyone and for your help again 🙂