Vaio_s

I don't really want to talk about the reason I'm doing this, but right now my stem is 100 mm. I feel pretty comfortable right now, but aesthetically, it looks too short.(Not explaining why, don't ask ) If I buy a 120 mm stem, will I feel the difference that much? More importantly, it'll look longer, right?

CollectiveInk

Ok, sounds like some Fruedian issues going on. But, you will notice a difference in a longer stem. I recently went from 120mm to a 90mm (to compensate for a too long top tube.) Physically, the longer stem was causing my back more pain and the shorter one is a pleasing change.

As far as the bike dynamics go, the shorter stem is more responsive/twitchy while the longer was more stable.

Question is, if the 100mm fits you, and isn't causing issues why change? Has someone been making fun of your stem length?

Vaio_s

Ok, well this will probably settle the issue, but I'm 5'3'', and a teenager.

But as for the back pain, how soon does it kick in? I don't go for rides longer than an hour or an hour and a half. If it kicks in at 3 hours, then I should be fine.

rogerstg

2 cm is a big difference in fit. YMMV

So what happened - Did some girl tell you that your stem was too short?

Road Fan

Vaio, at your age it probably won't kick in for a while, but for me in my 50s it could be in the first mile or so. I find my arms relax when the bars are in the right place, and a too-long stem feels like I'm stretching out too much, and it accentuates shoulder pressure. With my residual rotator cuff injury, I will feel that very soon into a ride.

Handlebar position is very personal, much more so than saddle/pedal positioning.

Road Fan

Vaio_s

har har roger

alright, thanks guys, i'll just leave it as it is.

CollectiveInk

Well, regardless of whether you're 50, 35 or 15 taking care of your body by riding a properly fitted bike is smart. And I noticed within the first 20 min of riding the improvement when I switched out my stem for a shorter one. After 2.5 hours I really noticed the improvement.

You still never said what made you want to get a bigger stem in the first place.

I would recommend the Zinn art of road bike maintenance. The section on fitting has been very helpful.

operator

This is probably the smartest thread i've read this month. Messing with fit just to look cool. Seriously, ask yourself if that is smart.

JamisVE

I wouldn't mess with it if you comfortable. I had a stock 120 mm stem and had it changed to a 105 from back pain. It helped quite a bit and no one mentions my short stem

Bikewer

Fit is more important than looks. Go buy a "titanium" sticker and slap it on there. that'll impress 'em.

JanMM

Repeat after me: Form follows function.

Retro Grouch 

I read someplace that Eddy Mercx, at least some years ago, insisted that all of the bikes that he produced have 110mm stems. If that's true, you are in good company thinking that your 100mm stem is too short.