Raising The Front End Options

[SammyC]

I'm trying to raise the front end of my bike to make it easier to get the front end up. I currently have Easton EA70 lo-rise Monkeybars and an Easton EA50 90mm +6deg stem.

I'm guessing my options are to change the stem and/or the bars, what would people's recommendation be? Would getting some hi-rise bars be a good start? I'm also thinking that a shorter stem might help this too?

PS. the stem is already as high as it goes on the steerer.

[Doug]

If the front end is reasonably stable on the climbs you could run a shorter stem. This will make the most difference as it will place your centre of mass when riding out of the saddle further back. I wouldn't go any shorter than 70mm on a trail bike though.

[SammyC]

The front is actually very nice on climbs, do you think it'll make that much difference the 20mm Doug?

[Doug]

Know anyone with a short stem you can borrow for a few hours?

[SammyC]

Good suggestion. I'll ask around.

[Speedy Al]

i am interested Sammy, is this to do wheelies and stuff?, let us know if it works

[SammyC]

No so much wheelies per say, more to help pull up over drops and jumps. Should make it a bit more controlled downhill too. I hope.

[BIGBAG'O'FLESH]

If your bike runs smallish volume tyres then put a biggar tyre up front, this will slacken the geometry slighty due to the larger aspect ratio on the front tyre so 2.35 front 1.95 rear for example
Couple this with higher rise bars and a shorter stem for more DH friendly riding

[addict]

God that took me soooo long to find!!!, that is exactly the question i wanted answering and godammit if i was guna have to post up a new thread. haha

I'm looking into getting some deity (50mil rise) bars and pulling in the stem from 100mil to maybe 50mil? ( a little much perhaps?)

I would say tho in retort that my xc riding is becoming less and less, more of a drive to the carpark and go downhill kinda thing, defo more singletrack and techy stuff with jumps than long haul riding, but just wondering like sammy if any one would have serious reservations about it?

I'm just a little worried about the front end being twitchy at speed, but im not sure if im right in thinking that?

I say this as if i'll be getting them soon, but to be honest i'll finally be gettin my bashguard at the end of the month, so it wont be for a month or two. just got some maxxis domainF/highrollerR to play on too at 2.35. as the one that came with my rockhopper saw me in scarborough general infirmary week last saturday and im gettin the stitches out tomoro, but can t wait for them should be in 'afore the weekend at stainburn.

anyone been ? the new runs are up apparently. i missed it last weekend (dam u hand!!) but heard its pretty good, tho my mates aren't as easily excitable as me so i really dunno how good it's guna be...

[Jarl]

Go for 50mm. I guarantee if you don't, you'll regret it- a shorter stem feels so much nicer. The handling becomes much snappier, but slightly less precise, and the shift in the CoG makes it easier to descend.

[mannlamb]

Addict

After some time with struggling to easily lift my front end over ditches , compressions, etc. etc. I have recently gone to a 70mm stem. The bike started at 120mm then i went to 90, now 70. I mostly do Singletrack stuff. For me, this has really helped - it has quickened up my steering (without it being too twitchy) and has most definitely made the front end lighter and easier to lift. The downside, is that on steep inclines I have to be much more precise with my body weight. Not far enough forward and I'm likely to do a back flip!, but too far forward and i'm spinning up my back wheel. For me, and my weight / geometory / bike size .... I won't be going any shorter than 70mm.

[paul m]

anyone been ? the new runs are up apparently. i missed it last weekend (dam u hand!!) but heard its pretty good, tho my mates aren't as easily excitable as me so i really dunno how good it's guna be...

it is very good mate take a stopwatch and get some timed runs in and lots of air time theres a boulder about half way down thats prolly 6 foot to the landing point then straight into a small drop and a bermed corner.
you can spend a full day there now cos it has a bit of every thing if you dont mind doing things twice


http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=I3IqTQV7bZM
have a look at the vid and get some on line training in so you can kick ass when you ride

[SammyC]

50mm might be a bit too short, I think I got a 65mm and its just spot on for me. But like mannlamb it has changed the climbing aspect noticeably. Wanders a lot more, but at speed its fine.

[The Saint]

There is a very good article in this\last moinths MBR mag about Stem lengths and there effect on the bike.

[addict]

it is very good mate take a stopwatch and get some timed runs in and lots of air time theres a boulder about half way down thats prolly 6 foot to the landing point then straight into a small drop and a bermed corner.
you can spend a full day there now cos it has a bit of every thing if you dont mind doing things twice

clicky
have a look at the vid and get some on line training in so you can kick ass when you ride

cheers paul, i'll take a stop watch fo sho, that'll be a good laugh, there's definately some friendly rivalry between a few of us so will be good to see who ocomes out on top.


cant get that link to work bro, most likely the neolithic laptop im using...

found it on youtube should be a good laugh!!, stitches out in just over an hour - then down the local trails!!wohoo, tho to be fair they were just destroyed with mud on sunday, just went for a 'tester' with the hand, seems fine, the trail however was not....

[paul m]

new link http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=I3IqTQV7bZM

[Jamie]

HTH

[SammyC]

That'll do it Jamie, that'll do it.

[addict]

yeah tha would help Jamie, but a triple crown hardtail? I'll be lying down pedalling lol. but they are nice.