Hey everyone,
Since i'm kinda new to the MTB game i have a question regarding the steering stem.
I found a XC bike that i like but this quote from a bike test review has me worried.
"the frame is without a steering limiter. Especially with the low handlebars in the cross-country discipline, the frame can quickly sustain damage at the top tube in case of a crash"
Is the stemless solution on the left really that bad or should i buy another bike with the tubed stem?
The left stem is the Merida one and the right one is the Scott's
Thanks !
by AlekseiAlex
2 Comments
All bikes have a stem so I’m not really sure what you are asking about. Neither of those bikes are “stemless”.
If you put your handlebars really low (as is common in XC-bikes) the shifter, dropper post lever, or suspension remote might hit the top tube of the frame if you turn your handlebars 90°. A steering limiter limits the steering (duh) so that you can’t turn the handlebars far enough for this to happen.
But as a beginner don’t buy a bike with headset cable routing (as seen on both the Scott and Merida). It’s a major PITA to service and offer no advantages.
You lost me at headset cable routing.
Sorry dude but that is a hard no for me, a solution looking for a problem at best and makes even basic work on the headset a nightmare.