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...
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