How to "modernize" rider position on Proflex 857?

[Capricorn]

As I was very impressed with the racy but still comfortable rider position on the '09 Epic, I am very curious if I could "copy" this position to my Proflex 857. Would this be possible?

Will I improve or totally mess up overall bike handling by exchanging my original parts (140 mm, 0 rise stem, 550 mm flat bar, straight seat post) for a 90-110 mm, +/- 7* rise stem, 640 mm, 6* up, 8* back sweep low rise bar and a setback seat post?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Rider properties:
Length: 1.82 m.
Inseam: 32" / 81 cm.
Total weight inc. gear 86 kg.

Bike properties:
Proflex 857 Expert Series, size M.
Girvin Cross Link frok & Carbon swing arm.
Risse Racing Shocks (F: Genesis, R: Astro 5).
Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25" F/R.

[jeffhop]

140mm stem! no wonder so many people used to enjoy over the bar moments in t`olden days, i wouldnt run anything longer than 100mm stem on any bike except a roadie, my advice would be go for it, try a 100mm stem with your other suggestions and you wont be far away from an excellent set up, steering will be sharper and youll have a bit more weight over your back wheel for traction.

[xp8-er]

 Have to agree with jeffhop 100 % .  I stripped my xp8 and shortened the stem and added some rise . The steering sharpened up instantly.  I still run straight xc carbon bars but for the trail riser bars rule!

rebuild it and enjoy it. you know its the green option!

[shovelon]

Your measurements are pretty close to mine. I use a 120 mm, 6 degree rise stem, and straight post. I agree that you are probably experiencing those "Over the bars" moments. That is why I just could not do the crosslinks anymore, in favor of a 100mm Noleen MegaAir.

But I think you are on the right track.

Just last night I did a serious climb and rampaging descent on my 957. With 4 inches front and rear, it still climbs like a tractor.

[Capricorn]

Thanks for your swift replies.

Yes I indeed "enjoyed" quite some OTB moments, especially when riding single tracks in the Dutch dunes.

I want to shift a considerable amount of weight from the front wheel over to the centre of the bike / to the rear wheel in order to improve riding over very loose sand.

I am thinking of ordering a Syntace VRO-T stem + a flatbar to have  almost infinite possibilities to adjust stem length, rise and height. Does anybody have any expereince with this type of adjustable stems?

[kiwi]

with a 140 stem we are talking large or med....i think my 20 or way big has a 150 stem!

[jeffhop]

....i think my 20 or way big has a 150 stem!

thats not a stem, its a tiller! 

[IMO]

You are nearly the same dimensions as me, except I am a few Kg's lighter. I would try a 90mm or 100mm stem, with a low rise angle. Certainly not more than 10 degrees. Get some  nice  carbon bars, they take out trail 'buzzz' and reduce fatigue, although there are many who refuse to believe carbon is safe enough. Fit a layback seat post to shift your body position to the rear a few more cm's.
I do not know of the stm  / bars you  mention, but personally I would not ride with anything  adjustable up front. Get a decent Race Face Deus or Evolve stem from fleabay , and some riser bars  maybe Easton EA50's, nice Lock-on grips  and try  SDG's Bel -air , but avoid the I beam version as IMO they are truley  awful, like sitting on a stick

IMO

[Capricorn]

OK thanks everybody,
I guess I was thinking in the right direction. That Syntace VRO-T stem allows for experimenting with the cockpit geometry. It is a rather heavy, but very well build German system mostly used by X-Alp riders.

[jeffhop]

everyone has differing opinions of saddles especially the bell air ive read lots of good reports but i think theyre rubbish! each to their own though sorry imo 

[IMO]

Fair play. Each of us has our own internal frame. The point where this meets the padding on the saddle is important , and will differ between riders. One group of guys I ride with all use the Fizik Gobi, some of them are on their third one.
Back OT, bar width will also effect how a bike handles and can improve bikes with steeper head angles, as can a wide bar  long fork combo, if you dont mind a little more wander climbing hills.

IMo