90* stem or more spacers w/ parallel stem?

[dvancleve]

Howdy folks.

I have a traditional frame (ie. lugged steel, level TT) that ideally should have had a couple cms of headtube extension but doesn't. I am deciding upon a 0* stem that will minimize spacers (will still be 3+cm though) or a -17* stem that should be about parallel to the top tube with at least another cm or so of spacers (something in between may also be possible). I am leaning toward minimizing the spacers as much as possible, thinking the somewhat angled stem is preferable to a massive stack of spacers. What do you think?

Thanks, Doug

P.S. I am planning on having the stem powercoated to match the frame/fork/rack. I could get an extender like the eighthinch and have it and the stem coated. Then the flat stem might look okay...

[A1CKot]

Give this site a try. You can compare 2 different stems and see what the difference is.

http://www.brightspoke.com/t/bike-stem-calculator.html

[dvancleve]

Thanks :) Didn't mention this up front, but it is a rando style bike. I have never seen one with the stem on the headset...

Doug

[Ken Robb]

I'd go with fewer spacers and a slightly upsloping stem.

[sc53]

Is this a quill stem? If so, consider the Nitto Technomic Deluxe, which will raise your bars w/o massive spacers or upslope.

[RPS]

I am leaning toward minimizing the spacers as much as possible, thinking the somewhat angled stem is preferable to a massive stack of spacers. What do you think?

I've gone that route on my two tandems with steel steerers because it's the most direct path between two points. I don't see the point in going up with too many spacers to then level off unless the looks really bothers you.

[Scott Shire]

Spacers are evil incarnate (http://slamthatstem.com/)