This thread is posting pictures of vintage/classic/neo-classic bikes with long stems. Why? Because they're sexy. Not allowed: Rivendell style giraffe stems.

Whaaaaa, this is incredible. Yours?

There's nothing quite like a long stem to stretch a little bike - but in addition to that, I like the visual effect on my 74 Gitane CdM:

I think I can get the bars out to about 150 safely.

They do look great but you've gotta have freakishly long arms to pull it off, or ride a frame thats too small for you too I suppose.

That first one you showed is a fantastic looking TT rig (at least i hope it was for TTs)!

No freakishly long arms or short top tubes. Just flexibility that comes from 40 years on the bike.

My son-in-law is 6'5", with a 34" inseam...he is almost all torso!
I'd love to find a stem like those pictured in the first post, but my problem is that I need it in a 21.1mm diameter. Any suggestions, or am I SOL?

Here's another.

And another.

My '85 Raleigh:



My '12 Specialized Tarmac:

Nice Stems Guys

Very nice! (and interesting thread!)

130mm Titanium 3ttt, does that count as long?

I'm trying to go the other direction with a recent bike. A bit tall for me so I'm trying to shorten up some. Not easy finding a 90 mm Philippe Competition but I finally found one. Thanks Nelson.

That's a beauty, Auchen'. Did that come on your Le Champion?

It might be a 115 or 120 but it is a first gen cinelli 1A, patent number on the undersite, 12mm handlebar calmp nut 7mm allen key binder bolt.


old logo 1R 120mm, I am thinking of making this bike a retro-mod like 20grits.. with 10 speed chorus.


120mm SR royal on Nitto bars (cinelli priest copy I think)

My other computer died and I haven't recovered the hard drive yet, these photos were on wooljersey before it died also...

But my 130mm steel cinelli #2 track stem on cinelli steel track bars on my most prized bicycle. My 1981 Marinoni Pista Special with Maple leaf cut-outs.

The top bike in the OP is one, if not the first bike that WEIGLE built for himself when he was working at Witcomb in the UK. He had it in his booth at the Portland NAHBS and it was my favourite bike at the show. And, it was his TT bike.

That adjustable in post 5 is interesting. A few of the others make me think someone needs a larger bike.

Not mine.....but currently on ebay

Take one blue diamond and that'll perk right up.

Long stems of mine-

Wearing thomson these days:






pushing it a little-


New Hotness:


Has brakes now:


ebike:


Stock:


Factory:


Maybe I like smaller frames, maybe I like builders who make smaller frames and spec long stems. Who knows.

I had a look back at most of the builds and didn't see any that would really set off any major alarm bells. Any in particular that would make you say this?

The golden rules of proportion dictate that the amount of seatpost showing should be similar to the height of the headtube. Most of the bikes pictured have that. Chances are also that if you like it long and low you may have a longer torso and shorter legs proportionately thus dictating a smaller frame size. I think 120mm is the "right" size for a 60+ cm frame. shorter stems look weird.

Edit: The Gitane is the only one that looks, visually, like it is a little too small.