How do I know my stem size?

Stem length is measured from the middle of the headset stem cap bolt to the middle of the handlebar.

How do you measure a bike stem?

Stem length Length or reach is the horizontal measurement of your bike stem. It is measured from the center of your steer tube to the center of your handlebar clamp along the central axis of your stem. Stem length typically ranges from 60mm to 150mm with some outliers in the extremes.

Is a shorter bike stem better?

Using a shorter stem gives the bike quicker handling characteristics and a more responsive feel. A longer stem shifts your body weight towards the front of the bike and puts you in a better pedaling position, especially on those steep climbs.

Do all stems fit all bikes?

There’s no hard and fast rule for choosing a stem, it’s mainly whatever works best for you. Two identical riders with identical bikes may need a different stem so just make sure whatever you have works best for your needs.

Is 80mm stem too short?

The sweet spot is generally accepted as being 100mm to 120mm, but not everyone agrees. ‘It’s a bit of a cliché that a too-short stem will over-quicken the handling. ‘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.

Is a 70mm stem too short?

A short stem will effect handling by making your bike feel twitchier. 70mm is quite short but unless you’re riding a technical course, it is doable. Having a short torso, I ofetn have to resort to 70 and 80 cm stems. The bike can handle well with a short stem, but it takes practice.

Is 90mm stem too short?

To put a (rough) number to it, a long stem is 100-120mm, very long stems are 130mm or more, and anything less than 90mm can be considered a short stem. Most riders will quickly adapt to any stem length as long as it serves the reach they need.

Can a bike stem be too short?

So from the Mondraker experiment I would say that at least for now 10 mm is too short. From my testing and the testing of our coaches and friends we believe the ideal is 35-50 mm and 60-70 mm a compromise for riders with frames that are too short. Frame length (reach and chainstay) for better bike handling.

Are wider mountain bike handlebars better?

When it comes to mountain bike handlebars, wider is better. They offer you more control, easier breathing and better positioning for balance. This makes you more stable and slower to fatigue. As with any component so intimately related to fit, handlebar width is relative.

How does handlebar height affect handling?

Generally speaking, a lower handlebar height reduces your centre of gravity. By placing more weight over the front wheel, you increase traction. A lower handlebar can also negatively affect handling in steep terrain. On the road, elite riders normally have a significant drop, where their bars sit below the saddle.

How short is too short stem?

I’d say short the stem by no more than 20mm. “Par” for stem length is typically 100mm. 80mm-120mm is in the “normal” range. Much longer or shorter than that and you may notice handling issues.

Is a shorter stem more comfortable?

Stem length, orientation and height all influence comfort, bike handling and aerodynamics. A shorter stem implies a more responsive bike as well as less input from the rider needed to initiate turns. When seated, a longer stem helps lengthen the rider reach, putting the upper body in a lower more aerodynamics position.

What is the shortest bike stem?

30.2mm is the minimum you can get but for safety measures the shortest you will get is either 30.5mm or 31mm, my money is in the 31mm. But you can try more unconventional options, like one of the OnOff Stoic stems, either 10mm or 20mm.