Flip the stem?

[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.