Hello,

I have a threaded quill stem now and want to switch to an adapter:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=119&subcategory=1186&brand=&sku=9755&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

And add a threadless stem to it.

I currently have an adjustable rise stem that came with my 2004 Bianchi Strada and I don't like it because:

1. The piece of metal that locks the angle squeeks (although I've fixed that somewhat with the addition of some grease).

2. The stem flexes a lot and I feel like I'm giving up a lot of energy to this.

So, once I go to this threadless adapter, I have to pick out a new stem and choose its angle and length.

What I want to know is:

1. What affect does the angle play in steering stability?

2. What affect does the stem length play in steering stability?

I can test out different angles on my current setup by changing the angle and them adjusting the rise to get the handlebars back to the same relative distance to the seat height. But I can't play with the stem length. My guess is that the shorter the stem, the less sensitive the steering (closer to the turning axis).

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Warren