Should I change my stem?

[FlyingScot]

I've been riding for about two years now pretty regularly. I have a Specialized Sequoia which fits me well. I've noticed this year that I am always riding in the drops...it just seems to be the position I naturally assume. The angle on my stem is pretty wide and I'm wondering if I'd be better off switching to one that drops my bars a little lower or one that is a little longer. I don't feel cramped when I'm in the hoods. My seat is about as high as I can get and sits a bit above my bars. I think part of it is that my upper back and shoulders are stronger and can support a more "aero" position. I am not a racer but I do ride distances. I have a century coming up in 4 weeks and I'm not sure what I should do.

[rubywagon]

Do you mean flip your stem to a lower position, or purchase a new stem? That bike should have a flip stem that allows you to change position without switching to a new one.

http://www.specialized.com/zz/en/bc/...jsp?spid=39270

The tech specs on that bike say that you do have the 4-position stem. I felt like I needed to be in a more crouched position to be comfortable and flipped mine down (I have the Ruby).

[FlyingScot]

Geez, I'm such a dork. I didn't even know it could be flipped. Clearly I haven't evolved too much past "newbie" in the techie part of cycling. I guess my next move is figuring it out myself of taking it to my LBS (so-so place but better than the rest) and having them adjust it. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks a bunch!

[rubywagon]

No problem! Let us know how it works. It is amazing how much a tiny adjustment like that can make such an enormous difference in comfort.

[KnottedYet]

If it fits you, and you're comfortable and not cramped, and you're spending a lot of time in the drops (which is really where you should be for most situations, and using the hoods for variety) why do you need to change your stem?

I think I missed something.

[TxDoc]

If it fits you, and you're comfortable and not cramped, and you're spending a lot of time in the drops (which is really where you should be for most situations, and using the hoods for variety) why do you need to change your stem?

I think I missed something.

+1, I was actually wondering the same thing...
?

[FlyingScot]

No you haven't missed anything. It just seemed to me that being in the drops literally all of the time is a little extreme for the type of riding I do. I don't like being on the hoods because I sit too upright. So maybe I should have phrased it " I hate being on the hoods should I change my stem". If you look at the Sequoia (btw it is the elite version) you'll see what I mean about the angle of the stem. Also, when I do want to be more "aero" when I'm going down hill I have to position my arms kind of oddly to really flatten out because then even the drops are too high. Please forgive my ignorance. I still have a lot to learn.

[KnottedYet]

Also, when I do want to be more "aero" when I'm going down hill I have to position my arms kind of oddly to really flatten out because then even the drops are too high. Please forgive my ignorance. I still have a lot to learn.

Ah-HAH! That's what we were looking for!

Yes, if you hate being on the hoods because you feel too upright (even if it's not cramped) and if you have to do the funky chicken with your arms to get low enough in your drops, it is time for a change!

Flip that stem over and give it a whirl!
(just please do it enough before your century that you have a chance to get used to the slightly different handling of the new bar position)