Bicycle Mechanics - Dirt Drop Stem question

"These stems have an angle of 125 degrees, 120 mm of quill above the max height line, and the extensions are 80 and 100 mm. At max height line the center point of the stems' clamps will be 178 and 194 mm, respectively, above the top-center of the head set (as measured perpendicular to the ground) and will extend a NET horizontal 11 and 23 mm, respectively, forward of the top-center of the headset in a 72 degree head tube." (from momovelo)

I'm trying to wrap my head around the NET horizontal of only 11 and 23mm forward of the headset... does that sound right to anyone? That seems awfully short then, no? Am I reading it wrong? Any ideas?

Sounds right to me, but does seem too short for most riders. Are there are people who are torso challenged?

However, upon second glance, 80mm and 100mm is the horizontal length of the stems they offer, when you slide the stem up to the minimum mark it will shorten the reach by 23mm, when all the way down it will be 11mm shorter (but only in a 72 degree head tube, with a 90 degree head tube it would remain 80 or 100mm). So the effective reach on a 100mm stem with a head tube of 72 degrees would be between 89mm and 77mm depending on where you place the stem.


Hope this helps, be kind if I'm wrong (good possibility).

ehenz

Wish these stems were a touch more widely available.. so I could actually take a look at one in the.. flesh -- well, in the metal... you understand... Thanks though Ehenz, but mathematically challenged brain is still trying to comprehend... :p

I have a DD, 80mm Nitto stem... fantastic thing it is! If you're going for the "Upright & Locked Position" it'll do it. Plus it looks amazing.

Very BOBish!!

I have the DD 80mm stem/moustache bar combo. It really helps bring the bars in closer and up high. I also have the Nitto Techtonic with only a 60mm extention and extra long quill. I would say both stems places the handlebars almost at the same general reach when placed at identical heights.

George