Road Bike Stem Length Fit
Learn how to properly fit a road bicycle.
Road bike stem length fit. 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. Stem length will vary with the design of the bike. Shorter stems result in noticeably quicker and more responsive handling that is a definite advantage on technical singletrack and gravity riding. 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. Not once did more than 2 fitters guess the desired stem for the rider. Some manufacturers specify different length stems in relation to the frame size to try and offer the best fit. We visited oli beckingsale of bw cycling in bristol to find out more about steam length and reach.
Sometimes you might need to customise the stem length yourself though. Conversely we also sometimes fit 130mm. 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. It must also address the rider s comfort biomechanics performance needs and the steering and handling of the bike.
Although this may. The road bike racer typically has the top of the handlebars below the seat height. Bike fit for road cycling can be complex. 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.
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.