Originally Posted by
jadocs
What does a longer or shorter stem equal? In other words what length?
Because if one COA is using a 80mm stem and the other is using a 110mm. I'm going to tell you the frame using the 110mm is probably the better choice.
sorry, but what does COA mean? not familiar with that term as it relates to bicycles. where I live, that stands for City of Austin or
Circuit of the Americas.
I am not sure whether it's preferable to use a longer or shorter stem, or if at what point it matters. how short is too short for handling on a road-going bike? too long? it's a bit subjective. it's also possible that a stem length outside of the norm on a conventional road bike is an indication that the rider chose a bike of the wrong size. in my case, I think I could make either of these bikes fit with a 80-100mm stem because the two sizes are not dramatically different.
Originally Posted by
c_m_shooter
Buy based on top tube length, so go big in this case. You can flip the stem if you think the head stack is too high once you get some miles on it, but I think you won't notice.
The ETT on the
longer bike is closer to what I have now, but the stack is a lot higher. either one could fit me. the larger one has less standover, but could offer a smoother ride and more room for bottle cages and stuff inside the main triangle. in the end, handling is more important to me. what handling characteristics should I expect from a smaller frame with a longer, higher stem, versus a big bike with shorter, lower stem? the BB, saddle, and handlebar will end up in the same position on each bike, but one will have a longer wheelbase.