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Shortening road bike stem

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Old 08-02-17, 01:24 PM
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Shortening road bike stem

will shortening the stem on road bike by 20mm cause any issues with handling? If i was to go from 100mm to 80mm will there be a noticeable difference in handling or steering?
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Old 08-02-17, 01:30 PM
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No. I've ridden from 80mm to 120mm, from +5º to -17º and never noticed any difference in steering whatsoever.
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Old 08-02-17, 01:43 PM
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It depends how cleanly you saw through it and how well you weld it.
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Old 08-02-17, 02:11 PM
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Since it doesn't change fork angle or trail/rake, it doesn't really change steering.
But it will change your position on the bike. And influence weight distribution a little.
Some (say they) are very sensitive to changes in stem length WRT bike handling.
Me, it's mostly a comfort thing. Hands, lower back mostly.
Bike handling changes are minor in comparison.
With very long stems, I occasionally notice the so-called tiller effect at low speeds.
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Old 08-02-17, 02:11 PM
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https://cyclingtips.com/2015/03/how-...-and-handling/

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Old 08-02-17, 02:21 PM
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20mm shorter stem will make it slightly more twitchy. You might not even notice it.
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