"Mike Jacoubowsky" <
[email protected]> wrote:
>> However, for "normal geometry" (the vast majority of road bikes) an "ideal stem" for a 50cm
>> bike would be in the 9cm range, a 56cm would be around 11cm, and a 62 would be best with a 13cm
>> or so stem.
>>
>> Obviously these aren't rules, and there are a lot of variables. But that should give you a
>> starting point.
>
>Thank goodness they're *not* rules! My two racing bikes, each 60cm, had very different top tubes,
>such that one required an 8cm stem while the other a 12cm. The bike that takes the 8cm stem rode
>every bit as nicely (actually, much better) than the bike with the 12cm stem, in terms of climbing,
>cornering and handling in general. However, I had no trouble riding either bike in just about any
>circumstance. I don't think there's even a rough generalization about "proper" stem length you can
>make, other than to think, if a given bike requires a stem at one extreme or the other, it could be
>an indication that a different size frame might be in order.
Good catch - one of the things I meant to say (blame it on my brain bruise) is that there's less of
a negative impact to a shorter than "normal" stem than there is from going longer. As the brake
hoods inch out over the front tire's contact patch, the handling starts to get "odd". But there's
really very little down side to a shorter stem on most bikes.
Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles
http://www.habcycles.com Home of the $695 ti frame
>By the way, most of our shorter customers (those on 50cm bikes) tend towards shorter stems than
>9cm. This is largely due to top tubes that, on smaller bikes in general, are limited in how short
>they can be due to wheel/foot clearance issues. 54cm frames (talking center to top here) are
>generally where dimensions require fewer compromises, although I really don't see short stems as a
>compromise, but rather a solution that works.
>
>--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
http://www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
>
>
>"Mark Hickey" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
>> Spacey Spade <
[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> >I've got a question about fit too. If you get to choose the top tube length, is it better to
>> >have a longer or shorter stem? (or what size stem is best for you?). Does the stem aid in
>> >cornering, leaning the rider
>into
>> >the turn?
>>
>> It varies by the size and geometry of the bike, and affects the handling and "feel" of the bike
>> as the handlebars are moved relative to the front tire's contact point.
>>
>> However, for "normal geometry" (the vast majority of road bikes) an "ideal stem" for a 50cm
>> bike would be in the 9cm range, a 56cm would be around 11cm, and a 62 would be best with a 13cm
>> or so stem.
>>
>> Obviously these aren't rules, and there are a lot of variables. But that should give you a
>> starting point.
>>
>> Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles
http://www.habcycles.com Home of the $695 ti frame