Originally Posted by
Rolla
I don't think stem length affects steering enough to notice much, but it does affect weight distribution, and that can make a bike feel like it's steering differently..
That's my impression as well - a shorter stem can move weight off my hands and make the steering feel less 'solid'.
Originally Posted by
Rolla
I'd say trail and rake have a greater effect on steering than stem length.
Yes. Bike geometry definitely makes a difference.
I don't have much experience with a lot of different bikes but some feel like they 'steer themselves' and tempt me to ride 'no hands' while others are warning me to pay attention.