Road Bike Fit Stem Length

When road cyclists think about stem length we tend to only take into account the effect it has on our position on the bike. Sometimes you might need to customise the stem length yourself though. Learn how to properly fit a road bicycle.

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How To Perform A Bike Fit Reach And Stem Length For Road Cycling

How Does Stem Length Affect A Bike S Steering And Handling

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Road bike fit stem length. Whereas road riders tend to choose stem length based solely on overall bike fit and positioning for off road riders the length of the stem is critical in determining how the bike handles. Conversely we also sometimes fit 130mm. Some manufacturers specify different length stems in relation to the frame size to try and offer the best fit. Road bike handlebar width.

Stem length will vary with the design of the bike. From here if you need to make the stem a 90 or 110 to fit the bike perfectly that will not negatively impact your bike handling. Shorter stems result in noticeably quicker and more responsive handling that is a definite advantage on technical singletrack and gravity riding. Bike fit for road cycling can be complex.

It must also address the rider s comfort biomechanics performance needs and the steering and handling of the bike. Of the 8 fitters we asked 6 of 8 failed to recommend the proper stem length the rider ultimately chose after utilizing a sizing stem. Good bike shops will be very helpful in helping you get the right stem length on your new bike or buying a new stem doesn t have to cost a lot of money. Needing a 70mm 80mm stem probably means bike sizing needs to be reviewed but many riders are happy to ride a 70 or 80 or 90mm stem without difficulty.

Should you be on a tarmac or a roubaix. If you lower or heighten the front end of the bike or extend or shorten the reach by changing the stem length you will change the rider s back and shoulder angle he explains. Generally speaking stem lengths on road bikes vary from 80 to 140mm with 100 to 110mm perhaps the most common sizes. We visited oli beckingsale of bw cycling in bristol to find out more about steam length and reach.

Not once did more than 2 fitters guess the desired stem for the rider. But mountain bikers change stem length depending on the handling. An improperly fit bike will but not the stem length except on the extremes. This size specific approach goes a long way to getting you set up with the correct stem length providing you ve chosen the right size frame another area where a bike fit comes in useful.