Stem Measurements
 

Hi,

I am looking to get a shorter stem with a different angle to (hopefully) relieve some neck pain that I am experiencing. I have a Ritchey Pro +/- 6 stem. I'm not sure of the length, probably a 100 or 110. How are the lengths measured? Center of handlebars to center of steerer?

Also, I'm looking at the Ritchey Pro +30 road stem as a replacement. I'm thinking that with a shorter stem, and a larger angle, I will be in a more upright riding position thus relieving some of the neck strain that I am experiencing. I was thinking a 60 or 70mm should do it.

Thoughts?

Thanks for your assistance.

Mark

for ritchey stems, it's center to center.
the length is supposed to be stamped or printed somewhere on the stem. usually on the inner side of the handlebar clamp for ritchey.

some makers have funky measurements that give center to center to angle, but ritchey is not one of them.

Most, including Ritchey measure from the center of the bars, along a line parallel to the extension, as viewed from the side, not the top. If you lay a scale on the top, most will measure 3-5mm longer than the advertised dimension.

http://i42.tinypic.com/wkqliq.gif

Why do we care about this?

Once a stem is mounted on the bike, it's easier to lay a scale on top and measure from the center of the top cap bolt to the center of the bars. A lot of people are confused when a 100mm stem measures 105mm. Most old quill stems will measure exactly as advertised if a scale is placed along the top.

Of course you can measure from the side, from the back of the bars to the center of the steering tube clamp, and add half the bar diameter, but you still have to eyeball the center of the steering tube.

Thanks. I'll pull the bars and look for the stamped size.

Mark