Yobro

I feel like I want to switch from a 110 to 130. Does it cause poor handling at all? Does the hub hidden by handlebar wheel hold true? Would the weight distribution be too far forward? Does it mean that me bike is too small in terms of top tube?

Homebrew01

That's like asking if a size 45 shoe is too big ....
If they sell 130mm stems, I assume they are the correct size for some people.

Seattle Forrest

My LBS says anything shorter than 40 mm or longer than 140 mm is likely to cause some handling issues, for whatever that's worth.

roadwarrior

No, it's not too long if that's what you need. I have 140's on both my road bikes. It's what I need for a proper fit.

adclark

No. I have a 130 on one of my road bikes and on my mountain bike.

vladvm

top tube might be short but to compensate for that, different stem lenghts are made... so if you need 130mm to get to proper fit and comfortable, get it.
it will affect handling and weight distribution for sure, you will notice it more if you came from a 50mm to 130mm stem...

Tartan1749

Fabian Cancellara uses a 140mm stem, so I reckon you'll be fine if you like the fit/handling aspect of it.

https://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...roubaix-29855/

kimconyc

1. No. It's usually the rider.
2. Maybe. It also helps to not bunny hop every curb and go for potholes.
3. Maybe.
4. Maybe.

Yobro

OK so I guess it's a pretty normal size then. Well the stem would stretch me out more in front so what happens to the bike when you shift your weight towards the front wheel?

ColinL

#2 isn't talking about the wheel being true... the OP is asking if it is true that you should not be able to see the front hub when you're on the hoods, if your stem is the right length.

I think that particular rule of thumb is total BS. If I bend my elbows a little more and change my torso angle only slightly I can go from not seeing the hub at all, to seeing the whole thing with ease. OMGMYFITISWRONG.

tagaproject6

Are you comfortable on the bike? How long/many miles before you start feeling tired/fatigued?

kimconyc

You shouldn't be shifting your weight much since your saddle position and cleat position should not be changing. You are just being stretched out (less than 2cm) since most stems have an angle.

Your hands are on the bars to steer, shift/brake, and make sure you do not fall off the bike when you go over a bump.

kimconyc

That's almost as dumb as average speed.

ilovecycling

If they make it it's not too long. However, personally I don't feel comfortable using anything longer than 120mm. Longer stem = more leverage for a fork steerer or the stem itself to break. Maybe that's not really the case, but IMO if you need a 120mm stem you are already riding a frame that's one size too small anyways. Again, that might not be the case either but to me a 100mm stem is "standard" when you are riding a "properly sized" frame. I'm building a race bike right now that is one size smaller just so I can use a slightly longer 120mm stem. I could have gone with one size smaller than that and used a 130-140mm stem, but that would be pushing it for me.

ColinL

/nod

Every LBS employee who refers to it should get a free kick in the junk.

himespau 

I've got a 140 mm and I don't have any more problem with it than I did my 120 mm. When I raised the height of my stem, I had to go longer to match the amount of stretch that made me comfortable. And yes, I said I raised my stem. I know that violates the flip it and slam it rules, but screw them, I'm a lot more comfortable. I do need to get a new cable for my front brake though as now it's only just barely long enough and I'd like a tad more length for adjustment.

Paul01

Short in the legs and long in the body means a longer stem. If it's comfortable with the long stem, it fits.

pallen

Its only wrong if it is incompatible with your body and how you fit on the bike.

gregf83 

That's great advice if you have a 'standard' body.

ilovecycling

True. That's why I quoted "standard." I have relatively normal proportions, which is why I can get away with that sweet spot of 100-120mm in stem length.

LesterOfPuppets

I like my 130mm stem. Accommodates my monkey arms quite well.

I reckon I could move up a frame size and get a 54 but then there wouldn't be room on the seatpost for the seatbag, light and backscratcher mudguard, which is how I'll be outfitted here once the rains come for good.


Pinarello at Turtle Park by Lester Of Puppets, on Flickr

echappist

135mm, -17. Had to get this frame size as the next size up would give me an ungodly long head tube

Mansram01

Depends on your reach and comfort level. I was riding with a 120mm for the longest time until I started using my drops more. Found out that 110mm is the perfect fit for me. What makes you think you need to jump from 110m to 130mm anyways? I'm having problems reconciling the statement about about 100mm being the standard size for a properly fitted frame as my legs are longer and I require a bigger frame but my reach is shorter therefore requiring a shorter reach.

ColinL

Long legs and short torso is a recipe for shorter stem. The reverse indicates a longer stem.

Moving up and down frame sizes has obvious impact, too.

pdedes

for me, the sweet spot in stem length is 120-130 mm. i've got short arms but flexible hips and a very flat position. and i like the way that length of stem makes a road bike handle.