Trek Rail - Shortening Stem

[Graveldragon.cc]

Has anyone put a much shorter stem on their Trek Rail. E.g. 35mm or less? How did it affect the handling?

 

[Stihldog]

I went from a 60mm to 45mm length. I noticed the difference almost immediately. Climbing became a bit more difficult but my descent on trails became more controlled. I don’t think I would go any shorter than 45mm. Seems to be my happy spot. (780mm carbon bars). Myself, I would not go -35mm.

 

[Graveldragon.cc]

I went from a 60mm to 45mm length. I noticed the difference almost immediately. Climbing became a bit more difficult but my descent on trails became more controlled. I don’t think I would go any shorter than 45mm. Seems to be my happy spot. (780mm carbon bars). Myself, I would not go 35mm.

It seemed to be the thing to do to go as dhort stem as possible a few years ago. With the slack geometry that the Rail has would this be a bad idea?

 

[Stihldog]

I’m not sure. I suppose it depends on a number of factors. Type of terrain, my personal geometry, weather, ability or wether I’m happy with the feel, etc. I might change back to a 60mm stem this summer.
But right now, at this time, a 45mm stem feels right. I have a medium Rail 9.7 with a number of upgrades. The 45mm stem was a good change.

 

[Orangie]

60/50/30 then settled on a 40. Xl rail 7

 

[LexC]

My XL came with a 60mm stem. Changed to OneUp bars and 50mm stem.

Took a bit of getting used to, but overall I do prefer it now. I probably wouldn’t go much shorter though.

On the first ride out it felt like i was hanging over the back a bit more when standing though berms, i do enjoy the feeling of siting a bit more upright when pedaling though.

 

[Stihldog]

In the past few days I kinda analyzed the stem geometry for my riding style. I think my body shape was the main factor. I’m only 5’9” but my arm-span is suited for someone who is 6’2”. I suppose this means I have a short torso but I have long legs. So some advantages and disadvantages. Regardless, this makes my setup unique to me.
A 60mm stem was fine but descending was not as fun as climbing. And climbing was not as important as descending. Our trails in this area are very technical, rocky at times and rooty. Since I changed to a 45mm stem my reaction has improved when descending. Climbing however has caused me to lean forward more in order to keep the front tire down on steep climbs. I can live with that.

So it seems to be a give and take and it all depends on a number of factors…starting with me. I suppose I could change the bar sweep, bar position and bar width but a stem choice is a fast change with significant differences. And I can change back in a few minutes or if my riding area changes.

Btw, I went with the Blendr 35mm bar size and it accepts a GoPro/light mount. Stem length is 60/45/35mm.

 

[Oldskooldher]

im sorta new to the whole knock block thing but if i wanted to switch out the stock stem on my rail 7 would i need to change or "delete" the knock block thing?

 

[Jamescoughlan]

You need one of these (if you want to run a different stem):

Knock Block 1-1/8" Lockring Spacer

Features: Steerer OD: 28.6mm (1-1/8") Thickness: 10mm Colour: Black Sold singly

www.tritoncycles.co.uk

Or you can get a Bontrager stem in 40mm length:

Line 35 0 Degree Stem

Features: The oversized 35 mm clamp diameter provides a new level of strength and weight savings Forged from 6061-T6 3D aluminium Laser-etched calibration marks make dialling in the perfect angle simple and repeatable Compatible with both Knock Block and standard head sets and spacers The Knock...

www.tritoncycles.co.uk

Out of stock in the UK though.

I have both but settled on the stem because of my bike related OCD!

 

[Orangie]

Dremel. Cut notches in any stem 40 mm i9.

 

[bluewater87]

35mm length stem for me on my xl. I’m 6’2”. 50mm rise bars.

 

[MTB565]

Dremel. Cut notches in any stem 40 mm i9.

View attachment 61490

You adapted a non-knock block stem to knock-block? Some pics would be appreciated! ?

 

[GolfMaster52]

Has anyone put a much shorter stem on their Trek Rail. E.g. 35mm or less? How did it affect the handling?

Has anyone put a much shorter stem on their Trek Rail. E.g. 35mm or less? How did it affect the handling?

I went from the stock 50mm on my L Rail 9.8 to a 32mm and love it. At 5' 10" I might be better suited for a medium, but the shorter stem makes the bike feel perfect, now. Haven't noticed much difference on the climbs and I have more control and flexibility while descending. Plus, I like the way it looks.

 

[EuanS2]

35mm stem on mines, I love the more precise handling while descending and I can't say I notice much difference while climbing

 

[Smittylube]

35 ordered for my 7


Edit now installed..

 

[ckkone]

I went from the stock 50mm on my L Rail 9.8 to a 32mm and love it. At 5' 10" I might be better suited for a medium, but the shorter stem makes the bike feel perfect, now. Haven't noticed much difference on the climbs and I have more control and flexibility while descending. Plus, I like the way it looks.

View attachment 61802

Is that the turbine r stem? What spacers are those?

 

[GolfMaster52]

Is that the turbine r stem? What spacers are those?

Yes, it is the Turbine. I don't remember the brand of spacers. I bought them at my LBS. I will be in there in the next day or two and I will find out and follow up.

 

[ckkone]

Yes, it is the Turbine. I don't remember the brand of spacers. I bought them at my LBS. I will be in there in the next day or two and I will find out and follow up.

thanks they look like the perfect match.

 

[Peaky Rider]

Wow! all you guys fitting shorter stems and I'm looking at fitting a longer one. I have a medium Rail and at 5' 8" I find it way too short.
You could put that down to me riding XC bikes for the last thirty years, but the measurement from the stem to the seat post (horixontally) on my rail is a good two to three centimetres shorter than on my medium Focus Jam2 and medium Spectral on. According to the specs that strange measurement called 'reach' they should all be pretty similar at 445mm.