Stem Length ???

[Yammer]

I did the WS Fit program on Wrnech Science's website and it calculated all the optimal sizing data for me and my bike setup.
I am currently running a Thomson 110 mm stem, but according to the results of the program I should be using a 96 mm for the proper reach.

My question is, if I switch to a 100 mm stem how will handling change from a 110 mm?

When I think about it, it's going to put me more upright and the steering will be quicker because distance changes at the bars will translate into more angle being swept. Correct?

What else ?

Patrick

[qheuie]

I switched from a 100 to a 90 and there was a noticeable difference in handling. It seems to steer a lot quicker now.

I have a 100 mm Thomson stem for sale in the classifieds, if you are interested.
http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11999

Josh

[manual63]

I am probably the biggest proponent of shorter stems in these forums. Probably because of my BMX background, but also because it just makes more sense. The longer the stem, the more you sway your upper body to the right and left rather than just turning the bars. That is why a shorter stem makes the steering feel quicker. All you have to do is turn the bars and not use you whole upper body.

Other things that make a shorter stem better are:

- Your weight is further back and not over your front wheel, which makes it harder for you to flip over the bars.

- The front end is easier to pull up or wheelie, allowing you more control over objects.

- You're more upright and more comfortable.

One difference will be climbing. A longer stem and lower bars does help climbing. Since climbing is only one aspect and long stems are bad for all the other aspects of riding, it's better to adjust you climbing position with a shorter stem. I do this by relaxing my arms on the bars and bending my elbows down so I can lean forward more. It takes some time to get used to, but once you do, you should be able to climb just as well with a short stem.

Keep in mind, if you get a shorter stem you might need a longer top tube on your frame. My On-One makes my bike fit me with a super short stem because the top tube is about an 1 1/2 longer than my Schwinn Moab was. It's a nice ride now.

[soupboy]

...beginning with eff TT and then standover you generally should be on a 100-120mm stem for everyday riding - ups and downs.

If you are a motherhucker, dirt jumper, BMXer or trials guy a short, stout stem will be your thang for the reasons Shad mentioned.

While stems of yore got as long as 150mm with 22" wide bars (YIKES) you will not find these boat rudders on any bike today. If you need something greater than 120mm to fit on your bike you may have too small a frame unless you're doing something different - e.g. I've got a Race Face SyStem in 135mmx15d that I ran with a Jones H Bar but that bar has massive sweep putting your hands back at a position that is net -40mm off the stem length.

Get the 100mm stem. If you don't want the Thomson, I'll sell you a Truvativ Wavo at a very good price (100mmx5d, black).

Sean

[manual63]

...beginning with eff TT and then standover you generally should be on a 100-120mm stem for everyday riding - ups and downs.

If you are a motherhucker, dirt jumper, BMXer or trials guy a short, stout stem will be your thang for the reasons Shad mentioned.

While stems of yore got as long as 150mm with 22" wide bars (YIKES) you will not find these boat rudders on any bike today. If you need something greater than 120mm to fit on your bike you may have too small a frame unless you're doing something different - e.g. I've got a Race Face SyStem in 135mmx15d that I ran with a Jones H Bar but that bar has massive sweep putting your hands back at a position that is net -40mm off the stem length.

Get the 100mm stem. If you don't want the Thomson, I'll sell you a Truvativ Wavo at a very good price (100mmx5d, black).

Sean

Not to start a stem debate, but I still think a super short stem on a longer frame is much better for swooping single track riding. I don't think you have to be a BMX or Freeride style dude to see the feel the benifits from running a stubby stem.......but that's just me.

Now that I have a really good setup with my On-One, I will let anyone ride it and they can see for themselves. The few who have ridden it really like the setup and like the feel of the short stem long frame combo.

[soupboy]

...within reason. There is really no reason (or design) that necessitates a sub-100mm stem other than for the DJ, DH, and trials set.

I personally prefer an eff TT on the long side and a shorter stem but it seems that any frames left that allow me to run a <100mm stem are too tall in the standover category. Without a custom frame, the long TT, short stem thing can be taken too far.

Ride what feels good to you.

Sean

Not to start a stem debate, but I still think a super short stem on a longer frame is much better for swooping single track riding. I don't think you have to be a BMX or Freeride style dude to see the feel the benifits from running a stubby stem.......but that's just me.

Now that I have a really good setup with my On-One, I will let anyone ride it and they can see for themselves. The few who have ridden it really like the setup and like the feel of the short stem long frame combo.

[manual63]

I personally prefer an eff TT on the long side and a shorter stem but it seems that any frames left that allow me to run a <100mm stem are too tall in the standover category. Without a custom frame, the long TT, short stem thing can be taken too far.


That is why I like my On-One so much. It's a 16 inch frame with an effective top tube of about 23 inches. That rules!!!

Low standover, long frame, and stubby stem. It's the way to go.

This will be the next trend on XC bikes even. Just watch for the next few years....you will see it more and more. I am pretty good at these predictions.......:D

[jjrsds]

I have to agree with Shad here. I try to get the right size frame with the saddle in the middle position and a stem between 100-110mm in length (Road and Mtb). I rode a Specialized Hardrock SS tonight and that had a 23.2 TT and a really short stem. Felt like the right combination for my body style.

[nigel]

This will be the next trend on XC bikes even. Just watch for the next few years....you will see it more and more. I am pretty good at these predictions.......:D
Ive been having my frames like that for years :)

[el gueche]

while we're on the subject of stems, what degree of rise do you prefer? i've got a thompson 90 x 15 - 22" top tube on the old rockhopper

[LightWeight]

I have to agree with Shad here. I try to get the right size frame with the saddle in the middle position and a stem between 100-110mm in length (Road and Mtb). I rode a Specialized Hardrock SS tonight and that had a 23.2 TT and a really short stem. Felt like the right combination for my body style.
Was that the '05 SS? If so, what did you think?

[jjrsds]

I don't remember if it was 05. It is at Erick's New store in Bloomington. Felt really nice to me, large tires, Marzac. front fork, Al frame, disc brakes all for around 500 bucks. Looking for a Redline Monocog 17inch for a test spin.

[soupboy]

...is really a default based on how much steerer tube you run and your handlebar. I don't think it's accurate to say you "prefer" a certain rise. You prefer a certain reach and bar height and rise is only one variable. (Don't mean to get bogged down in semantics)

See: http://www.habcycles.com/fitting.html

For example, I cut the steerer too short on a new fork for a bike I had typically run with a 120mmx15deg stem and about 1" of spacers. Due to my error (remember, measure twice, cut once!) I only had room to attach the stem with no spacers so I had to score a 120mmx25deg. I lost a little reach but approximated the same bar height - was not a noticeable deviation from my prior riding position.

Hope this makes sense,

Sean

while we're on the subject of stems, what degree of rise do you prefer? i've got a thompson 90 x 15 - 22" top tube on the old rockhopper