stem length and reach

[RazorRay]

Jeanine had trouble controlling her bike on Thursday.
Found out we had 45 psi in her tires and roots where still a little wet, but on light sandy ground she said she did not feel in control. We are currently running small block 8’s on Giant Revel2s. Her bike is the ladies version and has a much longer stem for the handle bars. she is a little over 5 foot tall and is on a small frame. What do ya’ll suggest.

Ray

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

Depending on her weight, start by dropping the tire pressure to between 25-30. The difference will be amazing.

The stem length is a personal preference thing, but if she has a short torso, shorter will be better.

[Mark Larson]

[quote="RazorRay"]Jeanine had trouble controlling her bike on Thursday.
Found out we had 45 psi in her tires and roots where still a little wet, but on light sandy ground she said she did not feel in control. We are currently running small block 8’s on Giant Revel2s. Her bike is the ladies version and has a much longer stem for the handle bars. she is a little over 5 foot tall and is on a small frame. What do ya’ll suggest.

Well, since you have the SB8’s, definitely lower the tire pressure to 32 to 40 psi. I would not recommend going under 32 psi for those tires, especially in the terrain you are riding in at Carter and Alafia/Balm.

As per the stem, sounds like a shorter stem may be needed. How long is the present stem? A shorter stem will give her more control of the bike in general being she is a bit smaller. Does she have the proper leg stretch as well? Was she fit into the bike at the LBS (local bike shop)? Get the correct leg stretch if she was not fit into the bike. Do this by finding the correct saddle height. You just may have to tweak the bars, the saddle pitch and position as well.

[RazorRay]

Hit the shop first thing and had a much shorter stem put on. It was 1 1/2 inch to 2 inches shorter for Jeanine. This and lowering the air pressure made all the difference in the world. She was clearing a lot more obstacles then ever before. Most enjoyable day!

Thanks for ya’lls help!
Ray

[Author]

Posts