qweisberg

I have long arms and find that when I stretch out, my bike could be another inch more or less from the seat to the handlebars. I've already adjusted the seat back as much as possible (maybe a half inch), which helped a little. So I guess the only thing left to do is to increase the size of the stem.

Current stem info:
90 mm x 17degrees x 26.0 mm clamp

Should I increase to a 100mm or 110mm stem or change the angle? Thanks

pierce

10mm isn't much different. I'd go with the 110

changing the angle would raise the stem but also bring it closer to you at the same length. I'm using a 110mm inverted on my hybrid, along with straight bars, this greatly increased the reach over the stock setup.

you could try an angle change now by flipping that stem over. -17mm just about matches your fork rake, so the stem is dead level when its inverted, instead of being a ~30 degree rise.

qweisberg

Thanks. i think you're right about the 110mm. Also, if it ends up too long, I can always re-adjust the seat back to its original position. Regarding the angle, I was thinking about a new stem with a greater angle, which would lower the bars, thus increase the reach. But I think I'll just go with the longer stem for now.

Btw, I have a fixed gear (specialized Langster) with bullhorns.

zukahn1 

As pierce states you want to go with 110 maybe 120 some pics would help. As a long armed guy I can say from experience if you have 16nch sleeves you want 110/120.

pierce

if the stem is too long, the steering gets funky, as your hands are out over the axle.

qweisberg

pierce

ok, its already flipped so its level. if you flipped that over, it would raise the bars maybe 1", but they'd also be a little closer to you.

LesterOfPuppets

If you want lower bars you could get bullhorns wth a bit of drop. For reach, eah get a longer stem if youre on the ends of the horns and still want more reach.

I'd get saddle in the KOPS position and adjust from there so pedalling is comfy and efficient, then get bars/stem dialed.

dsbrantjr

"I'd get saddle in the KOPS position and adjust from there so pedalling is comfy and efficient, then get bars/stem dialed."

+1, don't compromise saddle position; adjust the bars/stem to fit, not vice-versa.

Looigi

I didn't read all the posts, but this stem calculator may be of help: https://www.brightspoke.com/t/bike-stem-calculator.html

HillRider

If you really want to increase reach by 1" or so, you need at least a 20 mm longer stem (1" =25.4 mm). Even a 120 mm stem is not considered particularly long or unusual so the concern about it putting the steering too far forward shouldn't be a concern.

cny-bikeman

Knee Over Pedal Axle is a starting point only, but you certainly should confirm proper saddle position before determining what you need for reach to bar/stem.

ksisler

Ah, and thus a great reason to get fitted for a spanking new custom frame with a longer top tube... The builder would also likely get the optimal seat tube angle, etc, so it all comes together within one stem change from perfection.

pierce

YEAH! and don't forget the bling-bling, bebé!