Yes you'll need a longer stem. You can calculate exactly how much longer using trigonometry. I'd do it for you but I'm too old.
More backsweep= longer stem?
Do bars like SQlab 30x that have a good amount of backsweep without bending outward first reduce reach?
for example if I’m going from oneup carbon bars with 8 degrees of backsweep to the 30x with 12 degrees of backsweep how much longer of a stem would I need to maintain the same reach numbers?
for example if I’m going from oneup carbon bars with 8 degrees of backsweep to the 30x with 12 degrees of backsweep how much longer of a stem would I need to maintain the same reach numbers?
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
While true; maybe not.Yes you'll need a longer stem. You can calculate exactly how much longer using trigonometry. I'd do it for you but I'm too old.
Really depends on your tolerance. I sometimes can not tell too much. Sometimes I can. I'd roll with the stem I had first (and did)
I have been trying to work this out but my applied trigonometry is rusty. My best attempt is sine of the backsweep angle times the length of the section of the bar that is sweeping back. Can anyone confirm or help out with this?Do bars like SQlab 30x that have a good amount of backsweep without bending outward first reduce reach?
for example if I’m going from oneup carbon bars with 8 degrees of backsweep to the 30x with 12 degrees of backsweep how much longer of a stem would I need to maintain the same reach numbers?
edit: my math makes sense (to me at least) once I remembered to compare the output of a 15 degree sweep to the 8 degree i previously had. I was initially comparing to zero degree sweep which made it seem like too much of a set back but now i am pretty confident i am correct.
Unfortunately I’ve got to get a new stem and the only one I can find in the right size right now is 5mm longer. Normally I’d feel 5mm pretty easy but I’m hoping the extra 4 degrees of backsweep will make up for it.While true; maybe not.
Really depends on your tolerance. I sometimes can not tell too much. Sometimes I can. I'd roll with the stem I had first (and did)
also debating getting the 16 degre, as that is the ideal backsweep for me while seated, however, I’m naturally closer to a 12 degree while out of the saddle.
How do you feel on your current stem?
The reach with my current stem (35mm) and current bars (8 degree backsweep) feels good. Would like to keep it the same/maybe a tad shorter.How do you feel on your current stem?
I have oneup bars on my Ripmo (35mm stem) and sqlabs 16 degree on my Nimble 9 (33mm stem) and my fatbike (65mm stem but old-school geo so short reach). I just checked and the end of my grips are 30mm closer on the sqlabs compared to the oneup bars. For the 12 degree version I would guesstimate around 15mm, so not that much. On NSMB (link) when they tested those bars, I remember in the discussion at the end of the article that some riders did use a 10-20mm longer stem while other didn't change their setup and were confortable... So unless you're already a bit cramped on your bike, I would try them with your actual stem. You can always try a longer one eventually
Edit: but you need a new stem cause oneup bars are 35 and sqlabs are only 31.8. I think I would get a 40mm stem . So it might feel a tad shorter but not much...
Edit: but you need a new stem cause oneup bars are 35 and sqlabs are only 31.8. I think I would get a 40mm stem . So it might feel a tad shorter but not much...
Gotcha. Thanks for the info. I have to get a different stem due to the diameter difference and the only one I could find is 5mm longer, figure that should be ok.I have oneup bars on my Ripmo (35mm stem) and sqlabs 16 degree on my Nimble 9 (33mm stem) and my fatbike (65mm stem but old-school geo so short reach). I just checked and the end of my grips are 30mm closer on the sqlabs compared to the oneup bars. For the 12 degree version I would guesstimate around 15mm, so not that much. On NSMB (link) when they tested those bars, I remember in the discussion at the end of the article that some riders did use a 10-20mm longer stem while other didn't change their setup and were confortable... So unless you're already a bit cramped on your bike, I would try them with your actual stem. You can always try a longer one eventually
also how do you like the 16 degree? Does it feel off when standing going through downhill sections?
You'll probably be fine. If not... post up a Wanted to buy post would be my recommendation (I have a 35mm stem, but I may/may not use it soonish)
You can admit it, you forgot where you put your trig tables and slide rule.Yes you'll need a longer stem. You can calculate exactly how much longer using trigonometry. I'd do it for you but I'm too old.
The easiest way to do it, is when the new bars turn up, just lay a straight edge across the midpoint of where your hands sit, & measure the distance to the clamp area. Compare to your current bars. You can get away with quite a bit less reach, as the bars bend forwards first, then sweep back at the greater angle. That gives you plenty of knee clearance, and even though your hands are closer to you, you have much more control of your torso fore/aft, as you can use your wrists to actually brace yourself, as opposed to your hands easily rotating around the grips, relying on just pure grip strength. I really like mine, they're about 40 degrees back sweep
PS you can't really use just trigonometry, as there's a couple of bends and radius that get in the way. You'd really need to draw them out to use it, by the time you do all that, it's quicker & easier just to measure off a straightedge
Edit -I may have not understood your post, if you mean by bending outward first, you meant bending forward before sweeping back.
PS you can't really use just trigonometry, as there's a couple of bends and radius that get in the way. You'd really need to draw them out to use it, by the time you do all that, it's quicker & easier just to measure off a straightedge
Edit -I may have not understood your post, if you mean by bending outward first, you meant bending forward before sweeping back.
Sorry, yeah if you haven’t seen the Sqlab bars they have no forward sweep before the backsweep. So they are a straight bar until they sweep back. That’s why they only offer a 12 or 16 degree. I’m trying to decide between the two and what stem length to go with. In a seated position my hands naturally sit at a 15 degree angle but when standing in an attack riding position I’m closer to 12 degrees.The easiest way to do it, is when the new bars turn up, just lay a straight edge across the midpoint of where your hands sit, & measure the distance to the clamp area. Compare to your current bars. You can get away with quite a bit less reach, as the bars bend forwards first, then sweep back at the greater angle. That gives you plenty of knee clearance, and even though your hands are closer to you, you have much more control of your torso fore/aft, as you can use your wrists to actually brace yourself, as opposed to your hands easily rotating around the grips, relying on just pure grip strength. I really like mine, they're about 40 degrees back sweep
PS you can't really use just trigonometry, as there's a couple of bends and radius that get in the way. You'd really need to draw them out to use it, by the time you do all that, it's quicker & easier just to measure off a straightedge
Edit -I may have not understood your post, if you mean by bending outward first, you meant bending forward before sweeping back.
I could’ve sworn I put them next to my abacus.You can admit it, you forgot where you put your trig tables and slide rule.
Yes. Definitely. This is 70mm stem with (cut to) 720mm wide 16 degree sweep Sqlab 311 bar.
See where the string intersect the stem close to the steerer tube. Note that the string is not quite straight as it have to curve up to go on top of the computer mount. I'm currently riding 60mm stem which is even shorter than pictured.
![Bicycle tire Bicycle handlebar Bicycle fork Bicycle frame Automotive tire]()
See where the string intersect the stem close to the steerer tube. Note that the string is not quite straight as it have to curve up to go on top of the computer mount. I'm currently riding 60mm stem which is even shorter than pictured.
12 then.Remind you there is also 5 degree up sweep. If you rotate the bar to be a bit more flat than 5 degree up, then the back sweep is more than 12 degree.Sorry, yeah if you haven’t seen the Sqlab bars they have no forward sweep before the backsweep. So they are a straight bar until they sweep back. That’s why they only offer a 12 or 16 degree. I’m trying to decide between the two and what stem length to go with. In a seated position my hands naturally sit at a 15 degree angle but when standing in an attack riding position I’m closer to 12 degrees.
Not at all. I really like them, climbing and descending. Appart for a strange sensation for one minute if I take my Ripmo after riding the Nimble 9 for a while (and vice versa) I go for one bike to the other without problems.also how do you like the 16 degree? Does it feel off when standing going through downhill sections?
Ahhhh alt-bars. 
I sort of miss my fleegle
I sort of miss my fleegle
Love mine. Not changing stem length is one reason I recommend them over SQLabs.To complicate the discussion: My friend just loaned these Answers to me to hopefully help with some thumb joint pain. View attachment 1961448
Niner used to make 17 degree bars that went forward first as well.
I would be curious to take a measurement as I did with my sqlabs. Since they're 20 degree and 780mm, I doubt there's a lot of difference between both setup (it wasn't the case with the 720mm model)... Of course you get the 20 degree backswept so that might be an advantage... Personally, I like that the Sqlabs looks like a regular handlebar unless you look from above.
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
ilmfat
831 Replies
DIRTJUNKIE
473 Replies
Sparticus
399 Replies
Recommended Communities
