Specialized Stem expert?

curby said:

I have ordered 2 specialized pro fit stems and both have come w/o boxes and both have not measured as the seller has listed them. I got a 120 that measures 125 or 130 and a 110 that measures 105 or less. I need to return one of them but still not sure what size to ask for or what is incorrect, my measuring or theirs... Anyone familiar with this conundrum?

Geez ... no offense, but based on how you wrote your query it apparently didn't matter what the length of the stems are because you apparently don't know what length you want!
[INDENT]What is the length of your current stem AND is it currently too short or too long?

What was the basis for the order you placed -- were you looking for a direct replacement of your current stem or is this for a new build?

How are YOU currently measuring those stems?

What is the length of the top tube of your bike's frame? Do you even know?

What is the head tube angle on your frame?

What is the bend of your handlbars? Or, is this for a MTB?

Presuming a Road bike, which shift/brake levers do you use and where are they mounted on your handlebars?
[/INDENT]

Stems like most tubing structure is measured from center to center. so measure from center of one hole to center of the other hole. +/- 5mm adjusted for your eye sight and the angle of view.

Best way to do this is lay it on a flat piece of paper. and mark next to the stem the approximate center of the two holes and then measure this distance on the flat paper. it provides less error.

or

Tie a piece of lightweight string from one handlebar to the other, right above the center point of the bike headset. Tie the string so that it is taut.
Measure the distance between the handlebars along the string, and then mark the half-way point of this length on the string with the marker.
Determine the stem length by measuring from the point that you have marked on the string down to the center point of the headset of the bike.

either way works... You need to know if the seller is measuring correctly... some people take its entire length as the stem length which is incorrect.

i have always found it easy to measure a stem center to center usually on its topside when on the bike, with flip-flop stems i might measure the same CtC but along the side with the stem off the bike. i ordered the 110 to match my existing stem and its too short then i ordered a 120 and its way too long, like a 130... perhaps the first stem is accurately called a 110 and these stems (with their adjustable angle) run a bit short. and maybe the mistake is with the measurement of the second one. so I posted to find a Spec Pro Fit stem expert... but no luck! hehe no shops in the area carry this stem so i couldnt get solid recon on one. maybe i should just order a ritchey in the proper angle...