Shorter stem?

I seem to be getting caught out on switchbacks and tight corners, the new bike seems to be alot longer than the compact HT I was used to.

I'm just wondering if a shorter stem would help in getting around those tight tricky corners? would it effect climbing power by changing rider position?

Also thinking of getting the seat post chopped as It doesnt seem to drop very far and when its fully down it doesn't provide enough clearance for steep downhill runs.

Hi Alan
To say from the off I ride big bouncy bike so not an expert on the climbing but a shorter stem will definitely give you a little more control on steeper descents and probably make the switch backs a little easier. If your feeling stretched on your bike now you'll probably get away with it on the climbs.
Have a look at the angle your brakes are set. Pointing too much toward the ground will pull you over the front on the drops making life harder. You don't really use the brakes going uphill so you can set an angle that may be less comfortable for climbing but right for descending.
None of this will help if you basic technique for riding switchbacks is wrong of course.
hope this helps

cool, think I'm going to leave it for the moment, not stretched on the bike really except for steep downhill stuff like the ewoks (death), did 3 laps of the lead mines after tonights race and managed fine, figured out I just need to throw more aggression into it and not to give the bike any respect, treat it like a ho in other words

"not to give the bike any respect, treat it like a ho in other words"

I have a black bike, if i did that it would probably kick my ass

Get a direct mount stem and 800mm (cromag) bars, it's a squampton thing but it seems to work a treat.