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.