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Longer stems is an advantage???

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Old 09-15.-2009
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Default Longer stems is an advantage???

Hi peoples,I would like to ask that is longer stems is an advantage for riders???At my club,people says that it feels different when climbing.Longer stems feels like the rider is controlling the bike.Shorter stems feels the opposite.Is that a lil bit true??
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

Debateable but I recommend matching the stem length to your comfortable reach. If you are all stretched out all the time you won't be comfortable.
Fit is most important.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

Longer stems are an advantage in the case where a longer stem gives you a better fit.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

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Hi peoples,I would like to ask that is longer stems is an advantage for riders???At my club,people says that it feels different when climbing.Longer stems feels like the rider is controlling the bike.Shorter stems feels the opposite.Is that a lil bit true??
I'd rather have a longer top tube and a shorter stem to eliminate toe overlap.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

Of course, stem length affects handling. However, it depends whether you are trying to retrofit a not-ideal, off-the-peg bike to your size, or whether the stem is part of an overall plan how you decide on length.

Ideally, you will fit the bike properly from the get-go.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

Ok.Thx for the info sharing guys.So longer top tube with a shorter stem is better than a shorter top tube with a longer stem.
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Old 09-16.-2009
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

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So longer top tube with a shorter stem is better than a shorter top tube with a longer stem.
Yes, I would agree with that statement in terms of a properly fitted bicycle.

In other words, if the bicycle frame is the correct size for you, most people who are of average build will not need, or see any performance gains, by using a non-standard length stem.

Now, if the bike you have has a frame that is too small for you, then a longer stem might help the overall fit.

Or maybe the frame is the correct size for you, but you have an unusual body build, like your arms are exceptionally long and your legs are normal length, then a longer stem might be needed to get the best fit.

If the bike fits you perfectly, IMHO adding a longer stem would make your riding experience worse, not better.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

Longer stems are an advantage in the case where a longer stem gives you a better fit.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

First you have to have a proper fit, no debate on that.

How you arrive there could be up for debate. Assuming I could get properly fit on a 54 with more seat post showing and a longer stem or a 56 with shorter stem and less seatpost. All other things being equal I personally prefer a 54 with longer stem.

For me the more compact I can get the frame the better. I feel the bike handles better and is more responsive.

Toe overlap is a non-issue in my book, I lean to turn, I hardly ever move my handlebars more then a tiny bit unless it is at a very slow speed and sharp turn. Then I am smart enough to pedal backward and get my foot out of the way.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

FWIW, I've read that pro cyclists (primarily sprinters, i.e. Cipollini, Boonen, et al) use smaller frames (than ideal for their size) and run longish (130mm+) stems because the smaller frame is theoretically (and probably, actually) stiffer than the "correct" size frame for that individual. There is also a weight "penalty" associated with the "correct" size (aka larger) frame versus the smaller frame.

So, I don't think the prevailing wisdom is that the longer stem is the advantage, it's presumably the shorter frame giving the perceived advantage.

Take a look at some photos of pro bikes and you will see some longish stems...some regular stems too, and probably some relatively short ones as well...
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

I would agree with stiff being advantageous over floppy, but I think shorter and thicker would provide greater stiffness than longer. For best results, I think one's stem should be just long enough to reach the place it needs to -- anything more is wasted weight.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

You just get the stem that provides the correct reach on your frame. That's it. Stem weight isn't going to affect performance one bit.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

Hmm....so both got its advantage.By the way guys,when we riding with hands on hoods,we look down on the wheels and saw the hub is in front of the handlebar.Is that considered we need a longer stem or it is considered normal??
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

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Hmm....so both got its advantage.By the way guys,when we riding with hands on hoods,we look down on the wheels and saw the hub is in front of the handlebar.Is that considered we need a longer stem or it is considered normal??
It's an old rule of thumb that doesn't really apply.
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Default Re: Longer stems is an advantage???

Alright thx.I got your point now.
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I've found Reynolds Wrap on my spoked wheels to get the same aerodynamic benefit of any disc wheel in my Xero.Plus,I can peel it off and bake a potato after my ride. Can't do that with Zipp's. That's value add.
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