Hi there! I have a stupid question. How does one measure the quill stem length? Is it from the middle of the tube to the middle of the fork or is it the overall length? I'd like to swap my current stem on my steel road bike for a bit shorter one in order to maintain a more comfortable reach to the brakes.

Thanks in advance!

My 10cm Nitto quill stem meaures about 104mm from them center of the stem bolt to the center of the handlebar. Not sure, but I believe that center-to-center (C-to-C) is the correct measurement. However, I can't explain the extra few millimeter.

Edit: I'm measuring along the top of the stem. If I were to measure along the side of the stem, the result should be closer to the noted stem length.

Yes, it's center to center. And it SHOULD be the actual axis to axis measurement at right angles that does not include the elongation provided by any rise angle.

Thank you BCRider, that makes sense and explains those extra millimeters. Sorry for any confusion.

Polka Dot: You can also reduce the reach slightly by raising the handlebar, if you haven't done so already. Unless your stem is at max extension now, this is very simple with a quill stem.

Thank you! I was fishing around for a new stem on ebay and this helps a lot. Will try to rise the handlebar tonight and see whether it makes things better.