Stem Length Debate...
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Riggs
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« on: July 21, 2008, 12:41:59 PM »

I have a shortie 80mm stem. this length may be a bit extreme for me these days.  It is great for technical sections, when real quick turns are needed, I also thought this would prevent my front end from lifting when I was doing steep climbs (like the Monster in the Wiss).
As I've morphed into a better rider, I feel cramped in my seat when climbing. I'm thinking that my stem length is a little extreme, in a sense I sacrificed agility for a cramped ride. Has anyone gone through the testing of stem lengths to find the right fit?
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« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2008, 01:53:56 PM »
Quote from: Riggs on July 21, 2008, 12:41:59 PM

I have a shortie 80mm stem. this length may be a bit extreme for me these days.  It is great for technical sections, when real quick turns are needed, I also thought this would prevent my front end from lifting when I was doing steep climbs (like the Monster in the Wiss).
As I've morphed into a better rider, I feel cramped in my seat when climbing. I'm thinking that my stem length is a little extreme, in a sense I sacrificed agility for a cramped ride. Has anyone gone through the testing of stem lengths to find the right fit?

A shorter stem gives you better pull on the front end, which will actually make the climbs harder.  It is good for quick turning sections, and jumps though.  I have a 55mm on mine, because I like the front end to be super light.  If it's a steep climb I usually end up standing up anyways.  A longer stem will make the climbs easier, and the front end feel heavier.
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Riggs
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« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2008, 03:25:42 PM »

Thanks Chris!!  -  Missed you at French Creek. Hope all is well on your end....my climbing skills were not the best yesterday hence the pondering. Amongst all the brewhaha I thought I needed to change out the stem, though I like the quick turns a lot.  Now I need to find this best compromise between a nice, light & quick turn and more pull climbing. I'm on a mission....   
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stymie
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« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2008, 03:36:49 PM »
If your front end is wandering on steep climbs, a longer stem will definitely help put more weight up there and keep the wheel under control.

I don't think your technical riding or decending will suffer too much if you go for something a little longer. 100mm - 110mm is a pretty good length I think. Anything longer and you may feel like you are too far forward on steep drops.
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Chuck U
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« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2008, 03:59:43 PM »
I just went through this process with my SS.   I went long with the first one because that was what I was used to.   It was a bit slow to respond to quicker turns, but more importantly have my weight too far forward for climbing out of the saddle.   It just didn't keep enough weight on the back tire for ideal climbing.   So I went from 120mm to a borrowed 100mm.   Much better climbing and (not surprisingly) more responsive.

So, I went and ordered a custom 105mm.   Smiley

I would try and borrow a few different length stems to try.  See what you like and what works for your setup.   It can make a big difference. 
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Riggs
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« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2008, 05:00:25 PM »
Custom 105! There you go...I'll probably grab an off the shelf 100mm stem for starters...
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Lust4singletrack
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« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2008, 05:24:55 PM »
Yea you gotta try different lengths till you find the magic spot for your riding style and every"body" is different. I run 65mm 0 rise on my large frame. You should pay attention to the length of your top tube as well. A longer top tube means you can run a shorter stem. I agree that if you go too long you will lose stability, especially on the downs.

As far as wandering on the climbs while seated. Form is extremely important. I try to slide way up on the seat (almost to the nose) and move my shoulders toward the bar. If you're hunched over you lose power. So keep your back straight as you can and bend your elbows so your form does not go to shit. If you're very sure that you already have good form but still wander then you may need a slightly longer stem.

Another "tweak" you can make to your front end is changing the height of the stem by moving spacers up and down. Sometimes moving your stem 5mm lower on the steerer tube is all it takes to stop the front end wander.

If you start making changes, make sure you keep track so you can tell what feels better or worse.
« Last Edit: July 21, 2008, 09:13:08 PM by Lust4singletrack » Logged
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« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2008, 08:10:59 PM »
Quote from: Lust4singletrack on July 21, 2008, 05:24:55 PM
Another "tweak" you can make to your front end is changing the height of the stem by moving spacers up and down. Sometimes moving your stem 5mm lower on the steerer tube is all it takes to stop the front end wander.

Good point- if you have steerer tube to play with, just rearrange the spacers and the stem for starters.  It's free and can be just enough change to get you comfortable.
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dieselkarl
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« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2008, 11:30:32 PM »
Come on into my shop - REI- I've salsa's sizomatic stem jig and we can expiriment with many different options in the shop and send you out with one that should work for you - if it doesn't we've got you covered.  The old school rule of thumb is that, on a properly sized frame, in your natural riding position, your arms should be about 90 degrees out from your torso and if you look down at the hub of your front wheel, it'll be obscured by the stem/handlebar interface.  With slacker angles on bigger travel bikes, this becomes irrelevant as a longer stem throws your center of gravity off for the type of riding that those bike are built for. 

Karl
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« Reply #9 on: July 22, 2008, 09:35:36 AM »
Quote from: Riggs on July 21, 2008, 05:00:25 PM
Custom 105! There you go...I'll probably grab an off the shelf 100mm stem for starters...

I would recommend pricepoint Sette Edge stems as a source of cheap light stems of vairous lengths (90-120mm). Might not be beefy enough for big hits, but several of them had served me well without any failures on several bikes.

Oops, sorry Karl, didn't see your post. Yeah, Riggs, go to one of sponsoring shops instead.  Grin 

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« Last Edit: July 22, 2008, 09:38:14 AM by Dmitri » Logged
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Riggs
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« Reply #10 on: July 22, 2008, 11:25:05 AM »

Thanks for all the excellent feedback. It's great to belong to PMBA and pick up on all the bicycle enthusiasm. I have many options thanks to the postings. One question remains: What is the safe height a stem should fit on a steerer tube? I have assumed that the stem should meet just about even with the tube, which is the setup I currently have...
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Chuck U
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« Reply #11 on: July 22, 2008, 11:28:57 AM »
Yep, it should be as high as possible in the stem, without interfering with the stem cap when you pre-load the headset.  Most stem caps recess into the stem a bit, so normally the steerer needs to be 2-3mm below the stem.  Unless you put a spacer on top of the stem, then the steerer could be longer.
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Dmitri
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« Reply #12 on: July 22, 2008, 11:55:38 AM »
Or, stiking way past the top edge of the stem, with some spacers above the stem, in case you're moving your stem down on the steer tube, and moving the spacers up.

But no matter, what Chuck says is correct, the top edge of the steer tube should be 2-3 mm lover than top edge of stem or spacers...

dz
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