res09c5t wrote:
> I'm looking at a Look Ergostem. I think the adjustability looks pretty neat.
It is. More adjustable than any other stem. Available in both ahead and quill versions.
> Do these work as advertised?
Yes - and more: can turn the whole thing upside down for even more wacky positions!
The adjustability might not be _quite_ as trouble free as you'd think though, because you usually
have to adjust bar tilt after adjusting pivots; it's tricky to work out what combination of 'A' and
'B' settings are required for desired position; and the range is limited by cable length in
practice. However, using it is still much more convenient than changing stems and it can be done by
the roadside in a few mins with just a 6mm allen wrench. It's also convenient for raising and
lowering the ahead stem without having to do the spacer business. ...Yes, we know, quill users!
> Are you happy with it as a permanent stem or do you tend to use it to find fit and then buy a
> "real" one?
I intended to use it as a long-term temporary stem, ie. use it for some months (after a back injury
and new bike) before being absolutely sure of what I needed, then transfer it to another bike, etc.
Unfortunately I stripped the steerer clamp threads (as could be done by overtightening any stem; not
Look's fault) before I used it all that much. I will get it helicoiled sometime; but now am
reasonably happy with a regular stem. I like being free of that bulk but do miss the reasurance of
knowing I could alter the position at any time and also fine tune the reach.
But you could use it as a permanent stem - providing you didn't mind its weight (400g+), bulk and
looks. Some users (incl Cycling Plus mag) say they find it rather flexible but I didn't notice this
myself (although I did have it on short-reach settings) and some track riders usee it so it can't
be that bad.
> Any other comments?
I suggest: Get one if you're unsure what extension and rise you'll need AND you expect to want to
keep trying various positions, OR you have a temporary back problem or similar, AND you can afford
it AND you don't mind the single bolt bar clamp, otherwise just use ordinary stems.
Tip: When adjusting pivot bolts, gently tighten until you just find the biting point, then move and
set. This will avoid setting inbetween and squashing the washer notches, making them grip less well.
Bar clamp is 26.0 (new version), clamp height is 40mm (ahead), ahead is 1
1/8" supplied with a shim for 1".
(Ahead) Look instruct you not to place spacers under stem but no-one here on r.b.t could come up
with a good reason why not.
~PB
