Originally Posted by
fuzz2050
As far as handling, I've usually found the opposite, that more reach translates into slower (or more stable) handling. However, this is difficult to quantify, and it might just be 'new bike syndrome'. Changing the stem will definitely help fit though.
Actually a longer stem makes for a longer "tiller" so a given movement of the bar ends translates to less change in the steerer angle so the handling seems slower. A short stem magnifies the steerer response to bar movement.
The change from long to short stems will also change the weight distribution on the bike a bit and that can have an effect on responsiveness too.