Should I get a shorter stem?
Discussion
My Sub 5 still has the original factory bars and stem, which everybody keeps telling me look a bit retro these days. Apparently long stems are just so 2002 and I need to fit a shorter one.
I haven't ridden it seriously for ages, during which time I've been on a hybrid bike with a relatively short stem, so it wouldn't take too long to adjust if I did change it. The question is, should I?
Specifically, will the current trend towards short stems lengths still have the same benefits with 10 year old frame geometry? The guy at the LBS basically said it would make the bike a bit more nimble and move some of my weight back away from the front wheel with no real downsides. Also, is there a rule of thumb for what sort of stem length I should go for? The bars already feel pretty wide to me (although a wider set was another recommendation...)
I haven't ridden it seriously for ages, during which time I've been on a hybrid bike with a relatively short stem, so it wouldn't take too long to adjust if I did change it. The question is, should I?
Specifically, will the current trend towards short stems lengths still have the same benefits with 10 year old frame geometry? The guy at the LBS basically said it would make the bike a bit more nimble and move some of my weight back away from the front wheel with no real downsides. Also, is there a rule of thumb for what sort of stem length I should go for? The bars already feel pretty wide to me (although a wider set was another recommendation...)
Disco You said:
What are you on about? If your bike is comfortable as it is, don't change the stem.
By that logic I need never have upgraded from the Claud Buttler bike my parents got me when I was 11 - that was comfortable as it was...
Allow me to reiterate: I haven't ridden this bike for a couple of years, so it feels odd even with the stem that I was once used to. I am effectively starting from a clean sheet. More importantly, though, I'm told there are gains to be had from upgrading to a shorter stem.
I think what he's saying is that the stem length should be tailored to your fit, not the current fashion. If having a shorter stem will make you more comfortable on the bike, then go for it. If it's going to bunch you up and give you more aches and pains then it's probably not such a good idea.
I get what you're saying, but the current stem was never fitted to me, it was standard fit on the bike.
What's more, I don't think it is just a question of comfort. Changing the stem length will alter your centre of gravity position over the bike and the steering geometry. I could get used to a different riding position if that brought tangible benefits to the bike's handling - as the professional bike tech at the shop seemed to think it would.
I don't know the length off the top of my head. Getting on it recently I do feel quite stretched out after the very upright commuter bike I've done virtually all of my riding on for the past couple of years, but that's just lack of familiarity. Given time I'd re-adjust to that, just as I would probably adjust to a shorter stem; hence wondering which one to go for.
What's more, I don't think it is just a question of comfort. Changing the stem length will alter your centre of gravity position over the bike and the steering geometry. I could get used to a different riding position if that brought tangible benefits to the bike's handling - as the professional bike tech at the shop seemed to think it would.
I don't know the length off the top of my head. Getting on it recently I do feel quite stretched out after the very upright commuter bike I've done virtually all of my riding on for the past couple of years, but that's just lack of familiarity. Given time I'd re-adjust to that, just as I would probably adjust to a shorter stem; hence wondering which one to go for.
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 21st August 12:53
I went the other way, I wanted a longer stem as I felt a bit bunched up. Friends told me not to as it would slow the steering down... it hasn't and I can still whizz through the trees as I did before!
Don't let me put you off though, especially if the new one will be shiny and expensive!
Don't let me put you off though, especially if the new one will be shiny and expensive!
It depends on your dimensions and top tube length. Modern bikes generally have longer top tubes than before to increase wheelbase which adds stability at speed and shorter stems to keep the steering direct and quick. Also a shorter stem will make the front feel a bit lighter so easier to get the front wheel up which makes the bike feel more playful and chuckable.
I personally like my stem at about 60mm so I've got a bit of space on the bike but the front is still easily controllable.
I personally like my stem at about 60mm so I've got a bit of space on the bike but the front is still easily controllable.
for the cost of a stem, i'd buy a few and see what fits you best, then flog them and buy a nice one thats the same size. They are peanuts on ebay.
Essentially you are reducing the cockpit space and a shorter stem will push you into a more upright position which may be advantageous for commuting/traffic, ultimately it depends how much time you spend in the saddle as a shorter stem will also reduce the power output when standing or sprinting by virtue of reducing that cockpit area but on a hybrid commuter but assuming you are running flat bars, thats unlikely to be an issue!!.
Essentially you are reducing the cockpit space and a shorter stem will push you into a more upright position which may be advantageous for commuting/traffic, ultimately it depends how much time you spend in the saddle as a shorter stem will also reduce the power output when standing or sprinting by virtue of reducing that cockpit area but on a hybrid commuter but assuming you are running flat bars, thats unlikely to be an issue!!.
Rule of thumb is sit on the bike with hands on bars and look down at the front axel. It should roughly line up with the end of stem/handlebar T. If its in front then go for a shorter stem. My bike came with a 110mm but it was too long so went for a 90. It improved the handling and reduced the pain in my neck and lower back. Also if you find one thats shiney or a cool colour thatll be a reason to change it as well 
The shorter stem works in tandem with wider bars. The wider bars give you more leverage on the wheel but slow the response down and stretches you out more, the shorter stem speeds up the response and brings your shoulders back to where they were, leaving you with increased leverage. I did it on a 2005 Orange 5, went from 685/100 to 750/75. It made it much more confidence inspiring on rocky down hills, at the expense of increased tree clipability in the woods. Depends what you ride I guess......
ndg said:
The shorter stem works in tandem with wider bars. The wider bars give you more leverage on the wheel but slow the response down and stretches you out more, the shorter stem speeds up the response and brings your shoulders back to where they were, leaving you with increased leverage. I did it on a 2005 Orange 5, went from 685/100 to 750/75. It made it much more confidence inspiring on rocky down hills, at the expense of increased tree clipability in the woods. Depends what you ride I guess......
Exactly this. A shorter stem alone will potentially make you feel cramped whilst the bars will stretch you out a bit again.What are you running now?
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