Stem and Bike Fit

vinmiller

Hello,

I started cycling in March and since then have not felt comfortable with my upper body arrangement. I periodically get an ache at the rear of my right shoulder, probably my rotator cuff, and I feel like I may have a bit too much pressure on my hands. My bike was professionally fitted, but because I have long legs, I had to buy a big frame with a short top tube. Would replacing my stem with a shorter one be the first logical approach to making myself more comfortable? My current stem length is 110.

If I do look for a new stem, what are the factors involved in making sure I find one that is compatible with my bike?

I'm a fitness rider and rarely spend more than an hour on the bike at a time.

Thanks,
Vin

gclark8

Rather than a shorter stem, just try flipping it over. It will raise your hands a little. ;)

Camilo

Call around to your local bike shops and ask if they could work with you with a "fitting stem". This is a stem they put on your bike that is adjustable in both reach and angle. You probably can't ride on the street with the stem, but you can ride on a trainer wtih it. I did this, and found a definite "sweet spot". The shop then sold me a stem with the dimensions I liked and let me try it for a couple of weeks. As long as I didn't scratch it up, they told me they would exchange it for another that might be more suitable. Some shops have a bunch of stems on hand to let you try them on the road and then will sell you a new one once you figure it out. This is pretty common.

vascdoc

Hello,

I started cycling in March and since then have not felt comfortable with my upper body arrangement. I periodically get an ache at the rear of my right shoulder, probably my rotator cuff, and I feel like I may have a bit too much pressure on my hands. My bike was professionally fitted, but because I have long legs, I had to buy a big frame with a short top tube. Would replacing my stem with a shorter one be the first logical approach to making myself more comfortable? My current stem length is 110.

If I do look for a new stem, what are the factors involved in making sure I find one that is compatible with my bike?

I'm a fitness rider and rarely spend more than an hour on the bike at a time.

Thanks,
Vin
I am sort of confused. If you were fitted by a "professional" then why are you having problems. I would guess that the individual that fit you was just a local LBS employee. Also even if you have long legs there are many brands which provide different lengths of top tubes relative to the seat tube. You may wish to seek a certified professional bike fitter.

oldbobcat

I am sort of confused. If you were fitted by a "professional" then why are you having problems. I would guess that the individual that fit you was just a local LBS employee. Also even if you have long legs there are many brands which provide different lengths of top tubes relative to the seat tube. You may wish to seek a certified professional bike fitter.The writer already mentioned that his bike has a shorter top tube to accommodate his long legs.

Lot's of people have individual fit "issues" due to injuries and other compensations. By all means try flipping the stem or using an adjustable fitting stem before spending money or badmouthing your local shop. The thing to remember is that the professional fitting is a starting point to getting properly sorted out.

pistole

I am sort of confused. If you were fitted by a "professional" then why are you having problems. I would guess that the individual that fit you was just a local LBS employee. Also even if you have long legs there are many brands which provide different lengths of top tubes relative to the seat tube. You may wish to seek a certified professional bike fitter.
- imho , just because it was "professionally" fitted , doesn't mean that it
will ride good.

- by all means try a shorter stem. I went from a 100 mm stem to a 70 mm stem
and it felt like a world of difference. I have long legs vs. a short torso too.

cheers.
.

Bob Ross

I started cycling in March and since then have not felt comfortable with my upper body arrangement. I periodically get an ache at the rear of my right shoulder, probably my rotator cuff, and I feel like I may have a bit too much pressure on my hands. My bike was professionally fitted, but because I have long legs, I had to buy a big frame with a short top tube. Would replacing my stem with a shorter one be the first logical approach to making myself more comfortable?
No, the first logical approach to making yourself more comfortable would be to return to the guy who "professionally fitted" your bike & ask him to do a better job.

+1 to the guys who suggested experimenting with the adjustable stems @ your LBS to try & nail down exactly what would be more comfortable. Note that in addition to trying a shorter stem you may want to specifically look into a taller stem (i.e., steeper upward angle).

John M

I am sort of confused. If you were fitted by a "professional" then why are you having problems. I would guess that the individual that fit you was just a local LBS employee. Also even if you have long legs there are many brands which provide different lengths of top tubes relative to the seat tube. You may wish to seek a certified professional bike fitter.

A professional fitting (certified or not) is only a starting point, especially for a new cyclist. Lots of issues come into play when the rider is actually on the road, that may not be apparent in the shop. The actual position needs to be fine tuned over the course of several rides, and the ideal position may change depending on changes in fitness level, flexibility, or due to injury.

rwinthenorth

- by all means try a shorter stem. I went from a 100 mm stem to a 70 mm stem
and it felt like a world of difference. I have long legs vs. a short torso too.

.This would be me also. I went from a 110mm to a 90mm. Riding more "compact" for me is way more comfortable. My issues with my shoulder are related to years of martial arts training and construction work. I think the road rattle just aggravaites it.