Sizing up my stem
 

I currently have a 90mm stem on my 54 cm (54.5 ETT) bike and it's definitely too small. I want to size up for sure, either to the 100 or 110 mm size. Is a 2 cm difference very noticeable in regards to handling and comfort?

My previous bike was a 54 cm size as well with a 110 mm stem but being a more relaxed geometry bike the headtube height is much taller. My flexibility is decent and I'm leaning towards the 110 mm size but I'm afraid of putting too much weight on my shoulders since my right shoulder has a problem.

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

Go taller, I needed to take just a little weight off my wrists and hands, Had a 90mm stem with a 6 degree rise, moved to a 90mm with a 17 degree rise, Then moved a 5mm spacer up above the stem, all comfy now.

It's all In the details for me~

There is the Salsa Size O Matic stem sizer Size-O-Matic II | Parts & Accessories | Salsa Cycles

A Pro shop may have one then you can find out what the stem change is like 1st Hand,
by riding the Bike ..




'/,

I don't know if it wasn't clear, but I need to increase my reach. I actually reduced the stem height with some spacers as I was too upright before. There is no issue with comfort right now but I am a bit cramped and I feel it on climbs.

100 mm stem will definitely be an improvement but I'm wondering if 110 mm would be better.

Consider a set back seat post, If going to a longer stem puts too much weight on the front tire.

I was under the Impression that a bike needing a stem longer than 100 mm means the frame Is too short,
Needing a stem shorter than 50 or 60 mm means the frame Is too Large.....

Pretty sure this applies to road bikes, almost positive it applies to mtb's, been a while since I was told this, By a so called bike fit expert at a bike shop.

" I'm leaning towards the 110 mm size but I'm afraid of putting too much weight on my shoulders since my right shoulder has a problem."

This Is what led me to thinking taller would help~~~~~~~~

Nonsense. If stems outside of 50-100mm weren't useful, why would they be made?

Right now in my current bike set up my shoulder is fine. My flexibility is good and I actually have my handle bars set pretty low with no discomfort. I'm right at the edge of my bike fit being fitted between 54 and 56 cm. Having opted for the 54 I do feel a little cramped which a longer stem will address.

My concern was how much does 1-2 cms have on fit and comfort? Going with a 100 cm bike will certainly improve my comfort but I am considering 110 cm too.

Depends. If you're at the limit of what you can do then a lot. If the three stems fall within what works for you, then not so much. Different people respond differently to changes in fit; some are very sensitive and others not so much. You can't really expect some random person from the internet to know what will work for you. Buy cheap/used stems and try a few, then sell the ones that didn't work. Or pay a fitter to help you out. Or trust a random stranger who has never seen you.

[QUOTE=osco53;19117353]" I'm leaning towards the 110 mm size but I'm afraid of putting too much weight on my shoulders since my right shoulder has a problem."

How about using what ever length stem on your bike, move you ass back 10 mm or forward whatever mm to see which position is most comfortable to your shoulders then get the length that is approximately proportion to the distant you butt shifted back or fore on the sit.

Another advice is don't worry about it. During a ride, what ever part of your body felt stress just put less weight on it until the discomfort relieves except you can't do nothing about it when your prostate is hurting.

2cm in bike fit terms can be considered an 'extreme change'. For me 2cm was the difference between a lot of discomfort and no discomfort at all but that was going the other way. Nobody can really say for sure whether or not you will be more comfortable or not in your case without more information.

I doubt 2cm will make a massive difference to the handling of the bike. Sure maybe it will feel slightly different but its hardly going to be unrideable as opposed to rideable. In fact, I've seen 11cm cited as being the 'optimal length' in terms as having a good balance of weight distribution and handling etc.

There are questions that a total stranger can answer from their basement 1,000 miles away, and there are questions that they cannot. This one would fall into the latter category. Spend the $20 and buy a new 110mm stem. If your shoulder hurts, do it again, and this time get the 100mm. You're not doing it right if you don't have extra handlebars, or brake levers, or saddles, or grips, or other **** lying around the garage.

Road bike?
Tri bike?
MTB?

What kind of bike are you talking about?
I run a 50mm stem on my all mountain bike, a 110mm stem on my MTB, a 100mm stem on my CX bike and 120mm stems on my road bikes.

A longer stem won't put more weight on your shoulders but it does change the angle. With your hands on the hoods, your elbows well bent, and your back straight, your upper arms should made a 90° angle with your upper torso. Look in a mirror. Adjust your stem length to achieve that.