Cycling UK Forum

Mick F wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong.

If a dropped 'bar bike had zero reach, would it handle correctly?
With the stem pointing forwards it gives stability as your hands would be forward of the steerer.

Could you in theory put the stem on backwards and there would be zero effect?
Somehow I think not.

Or am I wrong?
Willing to be educated here!

Where are the rider's hands?
If the rider has her hands on the tops because the reach is too long, and you shorten the reach so she is then comfortable with her hands on the hoods, if her hands are the same distance forward of the headset, then the steering is unaffected.
(If you ride no hands, the steering is the same whatever handlebars you have)

zenitb wrote:Mick - most Fiets bikes have hands a long way back from the centreline of the steerer. No reports of mass casualties yet

And a much slacker head angle, and longer trail

Mick F wrote:Could you in theory put the stem on backwards and there would be zero effect?
Somehow I think not.

CJ's covered that before, here.

Mondraker used to make a very short stem (something like 10mm) but this was at the expense of increasing stack height as the bars effectively sit on top of the steerer.

PT1029 wrote:NB See sales section :-
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=128888
A short stem available, 1 1/8 X 31.8 bar diameter.

Thanks, PT1029, just ordered a stem with that spec before seeing your post.

zenitb wrote:

Blackredgold1964 wrote:Hi BRG..to clarify the Acor Double Bracket attaches to the existing stem not the steerer so is not dependent on steerer width. ..

understood, zenitb, Thanks.

531colin wrote:

horizon wrote:women's specific design,...

thanks for the explanations, 531 colin and horizon. I've not read through all the links but would like to contribute that I believe that 559 wheels are much better for smaller people. My wife of 5.2" even has a beautiful Roberts built audax bike around 15 years old but swears she needs a lighter bike for her upcoming half triathlon (after all, all of her friends have ridiculously lightweight carbon bikes). That's how she got the Specialised for Xmas. It is indeed quite a bit lighter but then I have to fiddle around with comfort again ... However, she is quite fast on it I have to admit

Excellent info!

I was wrong. Fine, I asked to be corrected if I was.

Blackredgold1964 wrote:... I believe that 559 wheels are much better for smaller people. My wife of 5.2" even has a beautiful Roberts..

Not "much" better. Maybe a bit better, depending on the rest of the design.
For example, if you stick with the 72 degree head angle common in 700c Audax type bikes, because the wheel is smaller you need less fork offset for the same trail....less fork offset = either longer reach or shorter front centre. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_and_motorcycle_geometry