Madone owners have you gone shorter stem?
05-01-14, 09:47 PM
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Madone owners have you gone shorter stem?
I have had my Madone 2.1 for about 2 weeks now and think its a terrific ride. I have test ridden a bunch of bikes like CAAD 8, Synapses, Domanes, Roubaix and I think the Madone has the best front end response of them all. Yeah, biased. 
Ok, I test rode those and was just looking for a 2nd bike.
Now I have given up on finding that perfect mix of sport and comfort and now will try on my bike a 80mm stem soon to not stretch out just a bit.
Has any Madone owner tried 80mm? If you have what are the plus and minuses?
Ok, I test rode those and was just looking for a 2nd bike. Now I have given up on finding that perfect mix of sport and comfort and now will try on my bike a 80mm stem soon to not stretch out just a bit.
Has any Madone owner tried 80mm? If you have what are the plus and minuses?
Last edited by 2702; 05-01-14 at 09:57 PM.
05-02-14, 05:32 AM
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I had a "Pro" fit on Madone 4.6c and when to a 90mm stem.
05-02-14, 06:34 AM
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Even though stem length isn't that critical within a fairly broad range...stem length based upon manufacture's specs tend to be frame size proportional.
For a very small frame 80-90mm will be a standard length. Most XXL frames will be the 110-120mm range for standard stem length.
But don't be overly focused on that if you need a slightly shorter horizontal reach but want the handlebar height of a larger frame. This is pretty common on non racing road bikes. Racers by contrast size their frames down to get a shorter head tube but in going to a smaller frame need to stretch out and why they need a longer stem for more horizontal reach. Recreational riders many times need exactly the opposite to get comfortable.
For a very small frame 80-90mm will be a standard length. Most XXL frames will be the 110-120mm range for standard stem length.
But don't be overly focused on that if you need a slightly shorter horizontal reach but want the handlebar height of a larger frame. This is pretty common on non racing road bikes. Racers by contrast size their frames down to get a shorter head tube but in going to a smaller frame need to stretch out and why they need a longer stem for more horizontal reach. Recreational riders many times need exactly the opposite to get comfortable.
05-02-14, 09:10 AM
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How long have you been riding? When I first started I ended up going from a 110 to a 100 to a 90mm stem but as I rode more I ended up going back to the 110 and eventually a 120. Doesn't mean you will eventually find the longer stem is better, but something to consider if you are still adjusting to the bike. If you do go shorter, might be worth buying a cheap stem or even borrowing one from a shop first. I now have fancy 90 and 100mm stems going unused.
05-02-14, 09:37 AM
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Try an adjustable stem, they go for 35 bucks and they will allow you to adjust height and reach (somewhat). Once you figure the whole thing out, you can buy a nicer stem with the angle/reach that you need.
Having said this, if you end up needing an 80mm stem, there is a good chance that you may like a smaller frame size better.
If you had the bike for a couple weeks, some LBS will swap the bike with a smaller frame.
Having said this, if you end up needing an 80mm stem, there is a good chance that you may like a smaller frame size better.
If you had the bike for a couple weeks, some LBS will swap the bike with a smaller frame.
05-02-14, 09:51 AM
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Not sure what this has to do with Madones? I have 90mm and 100mm stems on my two 57cm bikes (relatively short arms and the ETT is slightly different). Also have a 110 and extra 100 in the parts bin.
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05-02-14, 08:43 PM
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I have only been riding for 5 months. Today I got a new bike a 13 Caad 8 105 and the stock stem 90mm was too long, so the shop put on a 80mm and 10 degrees rise and it feels really sporty and comfortable.
05-02-14, 08:52 PM
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It is a bit like asking people what size shoe they wear. Not very relevant to oneself.
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05-02-14, 09:00 PM
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Still have no idea why people who don't like a thread reply.
But I don't like to argue so everyone can make fun of 2702 , that's fine with me.
So really no big deal.
05-02-14, 10:14 PM
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If you need a 80mm stem for a proper fit you bought the wrong size frame.
05-02-14, 10:42 PM
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Judging by the saddle in that picture the frame is too big. Judging by wanting a shorter stem the frame is too big. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that maybe the frame is too big.
05-02-14, 11:00 PM
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I cant stretch out as 16 years in a desk job KILLED my back.
And 48cm was too small for me. So 51cm is the one.
Not sure about bike rules about fitting from a pic since I didn't post my leg length vs torso.
If it feels good it is good, rules be dammed.
I'm 5 feet 6 so 51cm by goggling bike size charts fits.
And 48cm was too small for me. So 51cm is the one.
Not sure about bike rules about fitting from a pic since I didn't post my leg length vs torso.
If it feels good it is good, rules be dammed.
I'm 5 feet 6 so 51cm by goggling bike size charts fits.
Last edited by 2702; 05-02-14 at 11:07 PM.
05-02-14, 11:11 PM
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05-05-14, 06:01 PM
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I left the 90mm on Madone but put on a 80mm stem on the CAAD and its too short and high, the steering if off, twitchy as most would call it. I am going to put on 90mm and a 7 degrees rise, same as my Madone which I think is the best handling bike I have ever tried by far.
05-05-14, 06:15 PM
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I cant stretch out as 16 years in a desk job KILLED my back.
And 48cm was too small for me. So 51cm is the one.
Not sure about bike rules about fitting from a pic since I didn't post my leg length vs torso.
If it feels good it is good, rules be dammed.
I'm 5 feet 6 so 51cm by goggling bike size charts fits.
And 48cm was too small for me. So 51cm is the one.
Not sure about bike rules about fitting from a pic since I didn't post my leg length vs torso.
If it feels good it is good, rules be dammed.
I'm 5 feet 6 so 51cm by goggling bike size charts fits.
05-05-14, 08:34 PM
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05-05-14, 08:56 PM
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05-05-14, 09:02 PM
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