Hello All!

Just recently picked up the new tandem - just in time for winter - wouldn't you know. My wife likely won't get on it with me till Spring!!!!!!!!! Anyway......

In trying to replicate (as much as is possible) my single bike setup, it has become apparent that the reach of this bike is a bit longer and lower than I prefer. Having some disc issues with my neck it is important that I ride slightly more upright. Witness the Specialized Sequoia Elite which serves as my single.

I believe my best approach is to adjust these two dimensions (reach and rise) by changing out stems. The bike is set up with a Ritchey Pro stem now, and for esthetic reasons I'd like to stay with Ritchey. I hit their website and am a bit confused. The stem currently on the tandem (Inga - by the way) is at least 110 and I'll likely need to go with a 100 or 90 - that's yet to be determined. But once I settle on the saddle position, I'll have no difficulty determining which length. My question has to do with the "rise" part of the equation.

I see Ritchey's stems listed with "Angle 84/73". I presumed this refered to the degrees offset from vertical. For example: the 84 stem would have a "rise" of 6 degrees above horizontal. However, Ritchey also has a "Pro 30 degree" stem which also lists "Angle 84/73" in the specs.

Can someone explain how "rise" is measured and how to reconcile the Pro 30 degree stem with the fact that its listed with an angle of 84/73?

Thanks bunches.