I have always thought that reversing the stem (i.e. flipping it so it has a slightly upward angle) would provide me with a more comfortable ride.
I have now actually found that the opposite applies.
I have a Cannondale Caad 8 and it always felt a bit of a stretch to the bars. My logical side said flip the stem which I did. I carried on like this for quite a while, however trying to get in a more Aero position (over the space of a few weeks) I have - flipped the stem back to its original position. Tweaked the seat forward and up a bit (as I added aero bars). I also now have two spacers above the stem (previously they were below). The handlebars are much lower now in relation to seat height than they were previously and by my logic I thought that this would lead to a far more aggresive (therefore more uncomfortable) riding position.
In fact it feels the opposite and has changed my bike from a "well it fits OK" to now it feels a bit more like a bike thats made for me"
I have a prolapsed disc and have sufferred with sciatica in the past therefore my back is not the most flexible of all.
Just thought I'd relate this tale for those that have bought new bikes where the frame is the right size and they are going through the tedium of tweaking bits and bobs to achieve their ideal set up. Being upright does not necessarily mean a more comfortable ride.
I have now actually found that the opposite applies.
I have a Cannondale Caad 8 and it always felt a bit of a stretch to the bars. My logical side said flip the stem which I did. I carried on like this for quite a while, however trying to get in a more Aero position (over the space of a few weeks) I have - flipped the stem back to its original position. Tweaked the seat forward and up a bit (as I added aero bars). I also now have two spacers above the stem (previously they were below). The handlebars are much lower now in relation to seat height than they were previously and by my logic I thought that this would lead to a far more aggresive (therefore more uncomfortable) riding position.
In fact it feels the opposite and has changed my bike from a "well it fits OK" to now it feels a bit more like a bike thats made for me"
I have a prolapsed disc and have sufferred with sciatica in the past therefore my back is not the most flexible of all.
Just thought I'd relate this tale for those that have bought new bikes where the frame is the right size and they are going through the tedium of tweaking bits and bobs to achieve their ideal set up. Being upright does not necessarily mean a more comfortable ride.
