Fine Tuning

[frog]

I've now had the Raven Tour for just over 6 months and ran it just the way it came out of the box, except for the comfort bar position which was left to me.

When I ordered the bike I asked that the steerer tube remain uncut because I wasn't sure which riding position I'd be using becaise this was my frist straight flat barred bike in oer 20 years.  Last week I decided to lower the stem (a Thorn 8DEG60) from it's position at the top if the stack to a point about 1cm above the headset.  It turned out to be a very nice ride.  The shocks I expected back through the front end as I was more leaned forward didn't materialise - probably due to the comfort bars absorbing it??  I got a much more aerodynamic position which was reflected in my ride times as well.

I now want to do some tinkering with the bars in the lower position and saw SJS sell a adjustable stem which will allow me to refine my position better.  

Please has anyone experience of one of these stems?

Additionally, my more forward position is starting to make the family jewels go numb.  I've tilted the seat forward a bit but keep sliding onto the middle of it after a few seconds riding.  I'm now looking at a Terry Liberator working on the assumption that if my bits aren't pressed against anything they won't go numb [:I]

[davefife]

No experience of the stem, but my RST (also with comfort bars) came fitted with the Selle San Marco Rolls, didn't suit - too race orientated - so changed to Specialized BG, was worse, didn't like the gel and found it difficult to change position.  Am now very content and pleased with a Brooks B17.  No complaints at all as you sit on your sit bones, so your jewels are not pressing, and you can move abouit easily to change position; would recommend you consider a B17.
David

[frog]

Thanks Dave.  I got the B17 when my RT was bought.  It's been a great saddle for when I was very upright but now I've pitched my upper body more forwards there is a transfer of weight onto bits which shouldn't carry any weight at all.  By the design of the saddle it can only accommodate so much froward leaning movement and I'm interested if I should pass that point if there is a suitable saddle to take it's place.

I had a San Marco Rolls on my old bike and I came to the conclusion I'd been born with a reasonable body but somewhere in the design of things they'd slipped Quasimodo's bum into the plan when my Mum and Dad weren't looking.  []

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

I'd try to avoid an adjustable stem, just two more bolts to fail or leave undone, they also weigh more and look a bit horid.

[stutho]

Adjustable stems. Personally I wouldn't use one long term however they can be very useful for determining what stem is required.  Some will allow you to vary both the angle and length of the stem by using a double pivot.  I was luck enough to borrow one from my LBS - may be worth a shot!

I also use a B17 Saddle on my RST. The Top of my drops is set slightly below saddle height.  Counter-intuitively I found that raising (slightly) the nose on the saddle helped me. (ODD I know!) I also found that with a lower bar that my saddle had to be moved back on the rails. The saddle is now set at the end of travel.