Question about handling and stem length



SpecializedWRX

New Member
May 12, 2006
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My question is:

At what point does shortening the stem length on a road bike adversely affect the handling of the bike?

First, I had a 130mm stem on my bike, but it was entirely too long. Consequently, I swapped it for a 110mm. I am starting to think that this one might be slightly too long too. At what point does the handling of the bike change because the stem is too short?:confused:
 
SpecializedWRX said:
My question is:

At what point does shortening the stem length on a road bike adversely affect the handling of the bike?

First, I had a 130mm stem on my bike, but it was entirely too long. Consequently, I swapped it for a 110mm. I am starting to think that this one might be slightly too long too. At what point does the handling of the bike change because the stem is too short?:confused:
The shorter the stem, the quicker the steering, but stem lenghts and rise/drops are manufactured to accommodate different bike fit requirements.
 
you'll probably notice a difference, but the handling of a good bike won't be ruined by having a 10cm stem. In other words, if the bike handles well, it still should do so with various stem lengths. My Cervelo Superprodigy has had 100, 110 and 120mm stems, and it handled just as good with all, even though I did notice a slight difference.
Having said that, I can't say what a 90mm stem would do :)
 
531Aussie said:
Having said that, I can't say what a 90mm stem would do :)

I have a 90mm on my six13 and it handles great, the steering felt a bit quicker after the old one (can't remember what length it was) but I got used to it after the first mile or two...
 
When I got fitted at my LBS he told me try to not go under 100mm. However I am sure it depends on the rider just like everything else on the bike. I wouldnt worry too much about steering if you are not comfortable on the bike find the one that fits you best and work from there. I am riding a 110mm
 
Once you go below 100mm your steering is likely to become noticeably more twitchy. Frame geometry, particularly fork rake and head-tube angle are other factors in this. If you are needing to go below 100mm on a competition road bike your frame may be too big for you.

Jay
 
SpecializedWRX said:
My question is:

At what point does shortening the stem length on a road bike adversely affect the handling of the bike?

First, I had a 130mm stem on my bike, but it was entirely too long. Consequently, I swapped it for a 110mm. I am starting to think that this one might be slightly too long too. At what point does the handling of the bike change because the stem is too short?:confused:
The rule of thumb for stem length is that you sould not see your front hub when you are on the hoods. The view of your front hub should be blocked by your handlebar. This is just a rule of thumb and not a hard and fast rule.

I agree with Jay that before going with a stem shorter than a 100mm, you should check your frame size.
 
aacliment said:
The rule of thumb for stem length is that you sould not see your front hub when you are on the hoods. The view of your front hub should be blocked by your handlebar. This is just a rule of thumb and not a hard and fast rule.

I agree with Jay that before going with a stem shorter than a 100mm, you should check your frame size.
yeah, i am pretty sure that my frame size is a little bit on the large side...i am about 6'4" and the frame size is 62cm...it would seem to me that the only problem really is coming from the top tube length because everything else feels fine.