Road Bike Stem Length

Shorter stems result in noticeably quicker and more responsive handling that is a definite advantage on technical singletrack and gravity riding. 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. Conversely we also sometimes fit 130mm.

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Some manufacturers specify different length stems in relation to the frame size to try and offer the best fit.

Road bike stem length. But mountain bikers change stem length depending on the handling. In order to alter stem length you must first know the length of your current stem. 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. However most stems are not marked and must be measured in order to determine size.

Generally speaking stem lengths on road bikes vary from 80 to 140mm with 100 to 110mm perhaps the most common sizes. Stem length does have an impact based upon the length of the stem on steering efficiency and speed of steering reaction that is why mountain bikes and particularly downhillers use a very short stem it has to do with the turn arc similar to why on old cars without power steering and tractors have a large radius steering wheel and why formula 1 cars have a small stubby steering wheel it. Every part of a bike is connected. It must also address the rider s comfort biomechanics performance needs and the steering and handling of the bike.

Stem length will vary with the design of the bike. 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. When road cyclists think about stem length we tend to only take into account the effect it has on our position on the bike. Now bike stem length can vary from 50mm all the way up to 150mm and beyond.

Stem length designated in millimeters may be indicated on the stem. So swapping out the stem on a wrong sized bike can be a quick fix but you have to take into account that it will effect the bike s overall feel and handling. Sometimes you might need to customise the stem length yourself though. 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.

Stem length is one aspect of a road bike that you can alter to increase both comfort and performance.