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how do i determine the stem length and angle

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how do i determine the stem length and angle

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Old 09-25-07, 09:22 PM
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how do i determine the stem length and angle

i'm new to cycling and i'm building my own fixie from the ground up. i've bought everything except for the stem. is there an easy way to determine what stem length and what determines the angle? my fram is a 53c Pake with a top tube length of 540mm (level), 535 (actual).
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Old 09-25-07, 09:24 PM
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um, try out different lengths / angles and see what you like.

this is best if you're friends with your lbs.
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Old 09-25-07, 09:30 PM
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Use the fit calculator at competitive cyclist (dot) com. It's very helpful and gives you an answer specific to your dimensions.

Last edited by MIN; 09-25-07 at 09:36 PM.
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Old 09-25-07, 09:30 PM
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Yeah, there's not really a formula that I know of. Go to your LBS, give them your ID and swap different stem lengths and angles in and out until you find the right one, don't worry about looks/brand until you find the right length/angle, then find a stem you like. Also check their return policy, it's a good idea to buy a cheap one in the length you think is good and ride it for a few days and then return it and get the one you really want, or if after a few days that ones not working out, start over.
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Old 09-25-07, 10:01 PM
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what are your torso and reach measurements?
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Old 09-26-07, 12:16 AM
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Trial and error.
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Old 09-26-07, 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by onetwentyeight
what are your torso and reach measurements?
add to this age, flexibility, riding style and you're still not at a 'magic number'.

In my experience, if you've not riden a lot, it won't matter much. You don't yet know what 'feels' right.
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Old 09-26-07, 01:12 AM
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Originally Posted by RMW
add to this age, flexibility, riding style and you're still not at a 'magic number'.
Add that to top tube length and saddle position, you're still not at the magic number.
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