Flip the stem?

[Tiffanie]

So, I've noticed the folks at Bike Forums seem to mention this a lot. "Flip the stem!" they say.

Is there an advantage to this? Is it for aerodynamics? I'm comfortable with how my bike is now, so I'll be keeping her just as she is, but I was just curious your thoughts on this.

Tiff

[Fuji Girl]

Yeah, they're pretty obsessed with flipping the stem over on BF. It definitely LOOKS racier, more professional. And it definitely helps achieve a more aero position, but also causes more neck, shoulder, and lower back strain. But it looks cool.

I flipped my stem and really liked the way it looked. I felt like it made me look less like a noob. However, on long rides it made my shoulder and neck hurt, and that kind of discomfort is just not worth it to "look cool." So I flipped it back for a more upright, more comfortable position. To hell with the BF guys, I want to actually LIKE riding my bike.

[Tiffanie]

Yeah, they're pretty obsessed with flipping the stem over on BF. It definitely LOOKS racier, more professional. And it definitely helps achieve a more aero position, but also causes more neck, shoulder, and lower back strain. But it looks cool.

I flipped my stem and really liked the way it looked. I felt like it made me look less like a noob. However, on long rides it made my shoulder and neck hurt, and that kind of discomfort is just not worth it to "look cool." So I flipped it back for a more upright, more comfortable position. To hell with the BF guys, I want to actually LIKE riding my bike.

lol :yeahthat: !

Thanks FG. I thought that's what it was about but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

[alpinerabbit]

Flipping it *the other way* can make you more comfortable. Mine was still too low so I had one with a 25° angle installed, now my hand's don't go as numb as quickly anymore.

LBS guy said for racing, the top of the handlebars can be up to 12 cm lower than the saddle. For touring, 0 to 6 cm lower. Now I am at 0.

If you are really cool you can handle this:


but then you go to La grande boucle.

[mellic]

I ride with my stem flipped on both my road and mountain bikes. It helps to shift my centre of mass forward on the bike taking some of the load off my legs while pedalling. It does take a little time to adjust to this position because I think a lot of people are used to riding fairly upright. Over time you get used to the position and your muscles adapt, and I would say that it is advantageous particularly when climbing.

[betagirl]

I recently flipped both my stems because I found myself constantly riding in the drops. So I was already down there, I might as well get a little lower for a little bit less resistance I also agree about the weight shift. I think that's why I was riding in the drops also, I was able to pedal better.

[Kalidurga]

I'm confused... What does it mean to "flip the stem"?

[mimitabby]

yes, i want to know too.

[betagirl]

The stem is what connects your bike to your handlebars. It can either sit at about a 45 degree angle to your cross tube or, if you flip it it sits about parallel.

Here are pics to help:

Stem not flipped:



Stem flipped:

[Brandy]

Thanks for the pictures Beta Girl. I've been wondering what they meant at Bike Forums, but didn't want to be the newbie that asked! Hmmm...now I'm curious about whether I should try it.

[RoadRaven]

Flip the stem with caution

It lowers your front end, and every millimetre counts.

I recommend it and am looking at getting a shorter stem for my TT bike because I like being low and forward in the aero position. (I have already flipped it and removed the spacers)

But don't flip it just for looks... consider how you feel on your bike and what you are trying to achieve.

If you do flip it, try it out for a few days because it will feel different. If discomfort persists (and you may get discomfort, my partner rode his bike for over a month to get used to a higher seat and lower front end til it didn't hurt him) then change back.

Remember - all changes you make to your bike should be to enhance comfort and efficiency, and changes should be made in small ammounts, over time.

[mimitabby]

I think stem flipping is not something for the over 50 crowd to consider. I am trying to get those bars HIGHER not lower!

[Kathi]

My stem on my new bike is flipped. Surprised me, because, like Mimitabby I thought I needed to be higher. However, it was done to start me out in the "midrange" which means I can go higher or lower if I need to.

The stem is designed to be flipped as it has the company name readable from both sides.

[extra-vert]

Doesn't all of this depend on the degree of the stem to begin with? The two pics, (btw, thanks for the pics) look like stems with different degrees, yes, no, maybe?? Also, (perhaps not for the racing circuit types) they sell stems now that can swivel and move to the degree you wish without removing and flipping.