I’m getting a bike fit for this bike next week, but planning a 60 miler this Sunday, it’s flat and road. Wondering if that’s ok or if i’m risking the bikes integrity or long term health.
by onefathippo
I’m getting a bike fit for this bike next week, but planning a 60 miler this Sunday, it’s flat and road. Wondering if that’s ok or if i’m risking the bikes integrity or long term health.
by onefathippo
16 Comments
That’s really something. I’d be worried about going into bars with my chest first personally at that stack height
Carbon or aluminium steerer tube?
On a carbon steerer there is a recommended height for handlebars, 30/40mm
lmao. why not just trim it down a bit? you can still leave a bit of a chimney, but perhaps something more reasonable
i’d be worried about emergency braking, falling onto it and crushing my ribs
You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.
If it’s a metal steerer, then it’s fine. I assume it’s carbon though? That’s a bit trickier and it depends on the design of the stem. Once you tighten down the two bolts on the stem, the spacers above it are meaningless… once you have the headset bearing preloaded and tighten down the stem bolts, everything above the stem is irrelevant.
The thing is, some systems rely on the internal plug to reinforce a carbon steerer tube from the inside. Even if you had an extra long plug, I don’t think it would reach as far down as where your stem is clamped.
It’s probably fine. But if the stem is counting on that internal reinforcement, then the recommended torque spec may be off. What I’m really trying to argue here is that it’s case by case so I’m hesitant to say “sure, it’s great, go for it.” That’s a lot of spacers, both above and below. I’m kind of surprised it even shipped with that much adjustment unless that’s an aftermarket fork?
No, it is not safe. Ignoring the safety aspect of impaling yourself on it, there are two major issues:
1) Carbon steerers must be clamped where there is the bung internally otherwise you’ll crack the carbon – there is no chance the bung is longer enough to be near the steerer.
2) More than 40-50mm of steerer above the frame puts too much of a bending moment on the steerer and risks cracking it.
Regardless of bike fit that looks way too high (>40mm) which I’d say either means the bike is too small (or the wrong frame for you given the stack height) or the bars are too high. You’re also running with the bars rotated upwards, the levers at the top of the bends, and the stem pointing up. I’d guess the stack height is too low for you, or the reach is too long.
how is nobody stating to most important reason this is not safe?!
carbon steering tubes are _not_ designed to be clamped by the stem. they need a compression plug inside to counteract the compression from clamping the stem, and said plug need to sit inside the stem, not 10 cm above.
The manufacturer almost certainly has a maximum length spec for the steerer, and this will be way over it. I’m surprised the shop would let that go out the door. Find the manual or email Ventum and get the shop to cut it down to max.
you dont risk anything about the bike. bikefit is for you to be more comfortable on the bike. if you dont mind the possibility of struggling on the 60 mile ride go for it.
on an additional note, i would be scared with those spacers that if i fall they might hit me on some unexpected spots:)
It could be ok or it could snap the steerer tube, why risk it? The stem needs to clamp in an area supported by a expander plug inside
https://preview.redd.it/p85t5omyviye1.jpeg?width=831&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b803970a79e66c15ed76a3b4eab6589f3a73fd9f
That is not safe to ride
You are risking your integrity.
That’s an absolute death trap. Get that steerer cut down.
And regarding it coming out of a shop like that doesn’t matter. I’m a mechanic of 20 years, and I would never let something that be riden.
It was stupid of the mechanic to hand it over like that, and you’re stupid if you choose to do so. Be smart and cut it down before riding it.
The answer is speed wobble. If you descent on that thing at a high speed, then you might encounter speed wobble, because your handlebar isn’t clammed correctly. You won’t be able to really control your handlebar until you stop your bike. This is dangerous and can cost you your life. I have experienced this 2 times while descending.
Get a hybrid and take in the view
Find a local bikebuilder (steel or titanium). The bike will / can be in the same price-range but then you have your truly own bike. Also the purchasing process is much more fun then a bike from a rack/catalog.