Bicycle Mechanics - Measuring Stems

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velo
09-20-02, 05:45 PM
How do you measure a stem? I think you are supposed to go from the center of the binder bolt to the center of the handlebar (as in, not to the top of the stem). Is this correct?

Thanks,
velo

Guillermo
09-20-02, 05:47 PM
I think that's how I measured a few once, and it verified the stated length. It can be tricky though, helps if you have one lying around that is of a known length.

I wish all stem manu's printed the stem length on the stem itself.
pokey
09-20-02, 06:16 PM
It depends.On cast aluminum quill types it's usually center of bolt to center of clamp,Nittos were an exception and were measured like tig types.On most tig steel and alumimum types it's center of quill to center of clamp along the side of the extension.But there are exceptions. Threadless types are supposed to be measured along the extension from center of steerer clamp to center of stem clamp. Have seen some that were marked wrong,or they were doing it some way I have yet to figure out.

L J Horton
09-20-02, 06:17 PM
Velo, you're absolutely right!
pokey
09-20-02, 06:19 PM
Sometimes!