steve617

I have a 2004 Fuji Ace. I am wanting to get a shorter stem. I could get one at a LBS but I have found one online. My problem is I dont know how they are measured. (The total length ?) My bike is a 61 cm. The total length of the stem is around 6 inches (154 mm). Thanks

Steve

skydive69

Stems are measured in length and rise. For example, my stem is 80 mm long (a short stem) with a +10 degree rise. Most stems come in various lengths from around 80-130 mm - standard seems to be around 120 mm (the stock stem that came with my Roubaix).

Phatman

measure from the center of the steerer clamp (topcap bolt) to the center of the handlebar clamp.

sydney

Nope...Center of stem clamp to center of bar clamp along the SIDE of the extension if it's threadlsss or center of quill to center of bar clamp along the SIDE of the extension if that type is of welded conctruction.. C-C along the top only works for old cast or forged aluminum quill types and even there some exceptions(nitto) exist.

steve617

I measured it center to center and came with 110 mm. I am more comfortable just short of the heads. I am very heavy in the mid section and I would like to get the bike more comfortable. I think I may go with a 90 mm. I checked my seat and I may have 1/2 inch that I could move it up. 20 mm shorter will give me about 3/4 inches. WHich will be close. My LBS is closed for a couple weeks so I probably should just wait.

Thanks
Steve

sydney

You might want a stem with more rise. You don't move seat forward just to get shorter reach to the bars.

Phatman

whats the difference if its on the side or the top? maybe I'm just not understanding. perhaps a picture?

sydney

Trust me.It matters. dwaw your own picture.

Chucklehead

i've always measured along the top, bought according to that measurement and ended-up with the correct stem. go figger that one. the package on the stem i just purchased said 120, my old stem is 120. i measured the top. maybe the display on my calipers is wrong.

i guess if you have a 0-degree angle, you can measure it along the top, center or bottom. heck, you can stick a ruler in your butt and measure it that way, and if you're any good, you'll get the correct measurement.