Stem / geometry question

[Istvan]

Hello there,

I am a restarter and recently got myself a new bike. Geometry wise it is rather old school (2008), +30mm BB
So it may be because I am not trained enough, but I feel like the front is way too heavy while on back wheel. My previous bike back then was even lower BB but absolutely no rise stem and it MAYBE was easier.
Then again, I am a restarter and I may be just too weak for now...

So my question is: Would you change to a lower rise stem? I am thinking about buying a 100mm / 20° one. I am 173cm tall.
Current stem is 135 / 35

Here are my measurements in the pic - unfortunately it is done via picture, but it should be precise-ish more or less, some precision probably lost to perspective, but you may get the general idea of the geometry.


Also a stem comparision with the 100/20 (red is 100/20, blue is 135/35):

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by Istvan

[DYAKOV]

Love the Magellan Tucana!

Yeah, you’ll notice that old school bikes from that era had pretty short and slammed stems, still I think a 100x20 might be way too short though. I’d say get a trialtech 130x25 or even a comas 130x20, you’ll like that much more paired with mid rise bars. Should be a happy medium between rolling moves and moves to front. 

[Istvan]

19 hours ago, DYAKOV said:

Love the Magellan Tucana!

Yeah, you’ll notice that old school bikes from that era had pretty short and slammed stems, still I think a 100x20 might be way too short though. I’d say get a trialtech 130x25 or even a comas 130x20, you’ll like that much more paired with mid rise bars. Should be a happy medium between rolling moves and moves to front. 

Thank you!

I am kind of afraid 130mm will not give me enough height drop like the 100x20 as I also feel like the current one is also pretty long already (feel like I am too over/close to the front - yet again, haven't done trials for a long time). 
100*20 is only 3mm shorter considering the headtube angle - see pic Would I really go wrong with 100mm?
But If I go longer, I would definitely go with 130x20 Comas. For now I will probably drop my current stem with 10mm (max I can do) and try. Not sure if that would make much difference.

[DYAKOV]

Ah there it is - trialtech 120x17 is the stem you want!

Last time I checked on online shops I could only find the 130x25 geo but I was sure that there was a shorter one… might be an older model which is now discontinued or last stock here and there but you should be able to get one second hand. Think that’ll work well on your bike, also you might want to upgrade to jitsie or trialtech high rise bars to give you some leverage over the front.