Measuring stems?
 

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4429/...bd608d6d_k.jpg

From what I understand, stems are measured centre of handlebar to centre of stem. Is this correct?

I went to the LBS asking for a 110mm stem, and was given this. Am I correct in thinking it is actually 100mm, or am I not understanding the measuring correctly? Just want to know if I screwed up in not asking for long enough, or they gave me the wrong one. Either way, I need a bit more reach.

Yes, following what ever up angle it is..

Looks like 100mm to me.

Measure it along the length of the body ... the steeper the angle, the shorter the overall length for a given stem tube length. (i.e a 120 mm 17 degree stem might measure, center of bars to nut, 100 mm and so would a 0-degree 100 mm stem ... but the angled stem would have a longer stem tube. I do believe that is what Fietsbob meant.)

(Rationally, I knew the Great Stem-length Misdirection Conspiracy would be uncovered eventually, but ...

No one expects the Stem-lengthish Inquisition!)

+1

The distance is measured along the theoretical axis running down the center. (corresponding to a schematic blueprint).

With angled stems, measuring the top or bottom will cause a false high or low.

That said, it still looks more like you got 100mm than an 110. Remeasure from the side along the stem to confirm.

I'd be surprised if Spesh doesn't actually have size marker on the stem.

The stem in the photo is 100 mm.

@jefnvk, you are measuring correctly. They gave you the wrong length. Take it back.


-Tim-

Yeah, that is what I figured as well, but I looked all over it and didn't see any. The shop only had OEM ones sitting in the back, nothing boxed, they measured it with a caliper and told me it was 110 (probably should have paid a bit more attention to what they were doing).

It looks like someone measured it from the center of the handlebar to the end of the steer tube. While it is true that does measure out at 110mm, that's the wrong way to measure it. It should be from the center of the steer tube to the center of the handlebar.