ALaS

Hi,

I'm looking to get a shorter stem (to compensate for a longer Top Tube) that is about 75mm to be exact. Well, 75mm-80mm would work fine. I was recommended the Nitto Threadless UI-5GX stem, but it looks like the shortest they go is 90mm.

What are the effects of getting such a short stem? Twitchiness in handling? Less stability? Any pros?

Also, is it not wise to get a shorter stem to compensate for a longer top tube? Should I worry about stem angles?

Thanks guys for your patience!

Ericson Calderon

jhaber

https://www.lhthomson.com/elite_stem_sizes.asp

https://www.lhthomson.com/elite_x4_sizes.asp

Nightdiver

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...8_263_1333_717

ALaS

Thanks guys. How will a smaller stem affect the handling or "feel" of the bike?

JiveTurkey

It'll make the steering faster because smaller movements will make the same angle as a larger movement on a longer stem. But you'll get used to it.

Geordi Laforge

more twitchy, usually.

ALaS

Cool, as I suspected. Does that make sense to compensate stem for top tube? Can I do anything else?? Saddle position and angle? Stem angle?

Geordi Laforge

stem length usually accommodates for a longer or shorter tt, yes. But get the right size frame primarily and adjust from there.

JiveTurkey

+1. Proper reach = top tube length + stem length.

Saddle fore/aft is adjusted to achieve the correct position relative to the bottom bracket, NOT the handlebars.

ALaS

I'm getting as close to my specs as possible. :]

Thanks guys.

I can't wait, I'm getting a bomb deal.

ALaS

Oh, and, can't you get a stem with an angle? are any adjustable?

CliftonGK1

You can pick and chose stems with varying degrees of rise and varying length. Honestly, I wouldn't use an adjustable stem as a permanent solution on any bike. They're good for playing around with postions and determining where you want things, but they're heavy and add a potential failure point that a fixed stem doesn't have (the rise adjustment bolt.)

I like the Profile Aris stem; it comes in 7 degree and 25 degree reversible rise, and lengths from 70mm - 130mm.

ALaS

Thanks for the info!

Eggywootah

Stem doesn't have to cost you a fortune:

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200276_200459

ALaS

What's the best angle to have and is it beneficial to have a 0 degree angle?

Geordi Laforge

what's best is what work for your own fit.

we have zero idea what is best for you.

happytruck

I've been looking for a shorter stem (25.4/26.0) too. There seem to be fewer fewer options (especially at the low end, <40$) in threadless compared to threaded.

Ken Cox

Syntace makes some beautiful short stems in +/- 6 and +/-17 degrees.

With a too short stem, one can encounter "steering wheel effect," in which the steering feels vague and overly responsive at the same time.

I know that sounds like a contradiction.

Steering wheel effect shows up more with steep head tubes and less with relaxed head tubes.

On my Pista, with a 75 degree head tube, I need a 75mm stem or longer.

My Karate Monkey, with a 72 degree head tube, feels great with a 60mm stem.

I hope I haven't made an inaccurate generalization, above: the Pista has 23mm tires and the Karate Monkey has 60mm tires, and tire size can make a big difference, too.

adriano 

what about the syntace stem recall? are they sorted out now?

ALaS

How do I know what fits me? The fit calculator doesn't show that. (stem angle)

JiveTurkey

The angle itself doesn't mean anything. It needs to be considered with other factors, such as the length of the stem, the height of the head tube, how high or low the stem is in relation to the top of the head tube, how much saddle to handlebar drop/rise you want, etc.

See here: https://www.habcycles.com/fitting.html

First, you need to determine what you want for an effective reach of the bike (top tube length plus horizontal stem length) as well as how far below (or above) your saddle you want the bars to be.

Once those factors are determined, you can use the chart above to determine which combination of stem length and angle will get your bars where you want them.

ALaS

I see. Thank you. I know I need the TT+Stem to be between 62.3cm and 63.3cm. As far as height ratio from seat and head tube, I'd want it to be comfortable cruising and sprinting.

sp00ki

it won't be good for sprinting. short stems are great for maneuverability in traffic, but that's about it. sprinting on a short stem-- especially if you're out of saddle and over the bars-- will get a little sloppy.

Tomo_Ishi

Umm ...

I think "shorter stem = twitchy steering" is a premature conclusion. While it is very true, you have to observe what you are doing while you are turning your handlebar. It "feels" premature anyway.

When I am using a short stem, I felt like I am "TURNING" the handle bar.

When I am using a long stem, I felt like I am "PUSHING" one side and "PULLING" the other. This isn't clear, but you know what I mean; with a 90-110mm, you aren't really twisting at the bar.

I think when I am riding long distances, it is mentally easy to maintain straight course with longer stem. I think this is because unlike with cars your weight is on the handlebar and it is easy to "SENSE" how hard you are PRESSING at the bar. With a short stem, you have to be constantly aware of "ANGLE" of the turning and this, I believe, is considerably harder. I am no sprinter, so I can't say about that.

I think unless sizing is a significant problem for you, it isn't a good idea to opt for short stems over longer one. (I repeat, this doesn't apply if sizing is a significant problem.)

T

ALaS

I've ridding sport bikes in the past along with bicycles, I know what you mean to press and lean. Is an 80mm stem considered short?