What's your stem length?
07-20-08, 06:05 PM
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What's your stem length?
My head tube was entirely stripped, so I'm slowly putting the pieces back together. The threadless OS stem I want comes in 90-130mm. I'm 5'10" and my top tube is +/-54cm. I don't know what size the old stem was, but I always felt a little cramped anyhow, so maybe I should move slightly toward the longer side.
Anyway, I was hoping some folks could share their height-t/tube-stem sizes, so I could see what seems to be the norm.
Seems easier than testing out 5 different stem sizes!
Anyway, I was hoping some folks could share their height-t/tube-stem sizes, so I could see what seems to be the norm.
Seems easier than testing out 5 different stem sizes!
Last edited by sweater; 07-20-08 at 06:37 PM. Reason: cheers, surferbruce [x3 edits now:(]
07-20-08, 06:12 PM
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i think you mean top tube at +/- 54 cm, or you've got one TALL bike.
i'm 5'10" (and a half maybe), run a 56cm top tube, 120mm stem.
i'm 5'10" (and a half maybe), run a 56cm top tube, 120mm stem.
07-20-08, 06:31 PM
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07-20-08, 07:49 PM
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It completely depends...no use in asking others. Your inseam, arm length, etc., all have to do with your effective reach on the bike. Stem is the one place that LBS readily switches out to get the right fit. And there's a reason for that. It's an easy way to adjust to each rider's geometry and comfort. There's no real answer to this, other than what fits best for you. Check out Competetive Cyclist, get a helper to take measurements, and use that as a starting point for fit/geometry recommendation.
btw, I'm 5' 8 3/4", with 32" inseam...so, shorter reach/upper body. I use a 9" stem and a relatively shorter top tube. See what I mean? Really depends.
btw, I'm 5' 8 3/4", with 32" inseam...so, shorter reach/upper body. I use a 9" stem and a relatively shorter top tube. See what I mean? Really depends.
07-20-08, 08:13 PM
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Impossible for you to determine your correct stem length for your bike basing it on whet other people are using.
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Last edited by jimbud; 07-21-08 at 06:48 AM.
07-20-08, 08:13 PM
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5' 11.5" and ride 58cm bikes. On two bikes I have a 120mm stem and one a 130mm stem [top tube shorter].
07-20-08, 08:36 PM
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07-20-08, 08:39 PM
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Also 5' 9.5. 56cm, 110mm stem and shopping for a shorter one. Feels a little too far foward. Trying to decide on 90mm or 100mm. Probably 100mm will do for me.
Last edited by MoreHills; 07-20-08 at 08:42 PM.
07-20-08, 08:56 PM
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I'm 5'6" with real long legs (32.5" inseam) and arms for my height. My 21" Trek (52.1cm seat tube, c-c) has a long 55 cm top tube and originally came with a 110mm stem. I just switched to a 90mm; much better.
07-20-08, 09:38 PM
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the best is to get a proper fitting at the bike store.
height is irrelevent since torso lengths and reach are different for everyone.
height is irrelevent since torso lengths and reach are different for everyone.
07-20-08, 09:42 PM
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My stem is 130mm. a fit is a good idea. then as you ride more you will understand your body and bike more , then you can make the adjustments you feel best benefit your skills.
07-20-08, 10:44 PM
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I am about 5'10", and my bike has a 55.5cm top tube with a 110mm stem. Flipped, though, so about 100mm of actual extension.
Stem length is not that useful by itself, because bar height versus the saddle also comes into it. My bars are about 2" below the saddle. If I lowered them, then my reach to the bars would be greater with the same stem. And a lot depends on how aggressive of a riding position you want, and how flexible you are.
Stem length is not that useful by itself, because bar height versus the saddle also comes into it. My bars are about 2" below the saddle. If I lowered them, then my reach to the bars would be greater with the same stem. And a lot depends on how aggressive of a riding position you want, and how flexible you are.
07-21-08, 05:51 AM
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07-21-08, 01:18 PM
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Like all other have said... very personal thing. FWIW, I am 5'10 with 30" inseam. I ride 90mm stem, but that's only after I have experimented with different combination of stem length *AND* saddle fore-aft position *AND* crank length do i arrive at my current set up. So, just stem alone does not determine the best fit, but it's one variable you can experiment with.
07-21-08, 01:22 PM
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There are pills on the market to increase stem length but I'm pretty sure they're all a scam.
At least all the ones that I have tried are.
At least all the ones that I have tried are.
07-21-08, 02:48 PM
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Isn't that kind of a personal question?
100mm, I am just under 6 ft and ride a size 58 frame (also note I have long legs and short torso)
100mm, I am just under 6 ft and ride a size 58 frame (also note I have long legs and short torso)
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