Zero Length Stem
#26
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,162
Likes: 11,741
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#27
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,162
Likes: 11,741
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
For example, suppose I posted that I want a freehub body that will work backwards, ie I want to pedal opposite to the “usual” direction. An unusual request is going to trigger lots of us to say “why would you even want that?”
#28
Thread Starter
Guest

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 1,442

So basically this but without the 80mm length.
This part is used on recumbents so it's not going to help me.
(also, certainly NOT red)
[moderator note: removed political content]
As for the people who actually answer the question and confirm that 0 reach stems aren't the work of 'teh debbil':
I sincerely thank you.
PeteHski
PDKL45
SkinGriz
icemilkcoffee
skidder
LesterOf Puppets
You guys are the best!
Last edited by StanSeven; 08-18-23 at 08:01 AM. Reason: Removed political content
#29
Habitual User



Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 9,928
Likes: 10,767
From: Altadena, CA
Bikes: 2025 Ritte Esprit, 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2022 Trek Supercaliber
The right answer is always "a new bike". Duh.
__________________
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
#31
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,248
Likes: 6,624
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
I get that people want to think that because someone didn't validate their bad ideas they must be bad people but I can assure you we aren't. Saying you need a bike that fits isn't trying to be nasty towards you nor is it a political statement or anything like that it is literally telling you something you may not want to hear but you need to hear. Some people actually care about your safety despite your negative thinking that somehow we don't. I also understand an echo chamber can be fun but sometimes you need to hear something else.
#32
Senior Member



Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,693
Likes: 2,580
From: Jacksonville, FL
Bikes: Trek Checkmate, Lynskey Elysium, Trek FX 5 Sport
I need a zero reach (length?) stem.
It's the one that lets the handlebar sit directly on top of the steering tube.
I know there are stems that have an adjustable angle but I don't want an additional moving part and they usually add 65-120mm of height and I don't need that.
I've tried several searches but I'm probably messing up the terminology.
It's the one that lets the handlebar sit directly on top of the steering tube.
I know there are stems that have an adjustable angle but I don't want an additional moving part and they usually add 65-120mm of height and I don't need that.
I've tried several searches but I'm probably messing up the terminology.
#33
Over the hill

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 24,595
Likes: 1,361
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: Pinarello Nytro, Momentum Transend
IMHO it is more you really did not fully explain why you need a zero length stem and how you plan on suing it i.e need, design, expectation. opening up the conversation to speculation.
so my speculation is you have a super secret prototype handle bar that is still in stealth development mode that requires that type of stem
so my speculation is you have a super secret prototype handle bar that is still in stealth development mode that requires that type of stem

__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
#35
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,159
Likes: 5,284
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
#36
I’m a little Surly
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,436
Likes: 1,321
From: Near the district
Bikes: Two Cross Checks, Karate Monkey, Disc Trucker, and a VO Randonneur
I need a zero reach (length?) stem.
It's the one that lets the handlebar sit directly on top of the steering tube.
I know there are stems that have an adjustable angle but I don't want an additional moving part and they usually add 65-120mm of height and I don't need that.
I've tried several searches but I'm probably messing up the terminology.
It's the one that lets the handlebar sit directly on top of the steering tube.
I know there are stems that have an adjustable angle but I don't want an additional moving part and they usually add 65-120mm of height and I don't need that.
I've tried several searches but I'm probably messing up the terminology.
https://analogcycles.com/collections/stems
#37
People tend to fixate on bike fit and other things, sometimes ignoring practical considerations like health. Providing yourself with a very upright position on a bike can have enormous benefits if, for example, you have a bad back, prone to slipped and/or herniated discs. In consultation with a chiropractor who is also a cyclist, I was told to get myself as upright as possible. The bent forward position works to alleviate pressure from some backs, but not mine and I was told in no uncertain terms that my bike fit was hurting my back, but that I didn't need to stop bike riding. You often don't need a new bike, or someone freaking out about your bike fit (if they're not your chiropractor), you need to adapt what you have to allow your body to be healthy. I don't know if OP is driven by health concerns, but there is nothing wrong with someone wanting to tinker with their own equipment to suit themselves.
#38
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 722
#39
From this page:
Crupi's I-Beam stems are CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and are amongst the lightest stems on the market! The I-Beam features extensive external machining; the stem is visually appealing yet stiff and strong. The CNC-machined and embossed Crupi logo on the faceplate gives this stem its unique look.
The Crupi 0mm "No Reach" stem has 0 mm of reach, which means the stem holds the bars directly above the steer tube, making the bike's front-end length shorter.
Crupi's I-Beam stems are CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and are amongst the lightest stems on the market! The I-Beam features extensive external machining; the stem is visually appealing yet stiff and strong. The CNC-machined and embossed Crupi logo on the faceplate gives this stem its unique look.
The Crupi 0mm "No Reach" stem has 0 mm of reach, which means the stem holds the bars directly above the steer tube, making the bike's front-end length shorter.
#40
#41
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,916
Likes: 1,260
Universal Cycles has some. I'm glad someone mentioned motorcycles, and many "Downhill" MTB's have zero offset stems OEM. Increasingly, with the growing number of 29'er e-bikes, the zero offset stems will be de rigueur because those bikes are so damn big.
#42
Randomhead
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25,930
Likes: 4,825
From: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
The only thing this thread proves is that people don't understand how bike steering works and what makes it stable. Has nothing to do with stem length. Zero length stems are a current fad in mountain biking, and I'm pretty sure mountain bikers need to be able to steer their bike. Someone mentioned the Pacenti P-dent stem above. Old news by now, but they were one of the first to offer really short stems. Only problem is you have to use their handlebars, so I imagine it will be short-lived. https://bikerumor.com/pacenti-p-dent...new-20mm-stem/
I had a related exchange on another thread where I offered to exchange free body diagrams (mechanical engineers should be able to draw an fbd) with anyone who thinks that stem length is an important element of bicycle steering. For some reason, nobody took me up on that. But one person suggested that the stem was required for the tiller effect. The the tiller on a boat has to be a certain length so the steering forces from the rudder can be counteracted by a person. For a bicycle, the tiller is the handlebar, not the stem
I had a related exchange on another thread where I offered to exchange free body diagrams (mechanical engineers should be able to draw an fbd) with anyone who thinks that stem length is an important element of bicycle steering. For some reason, nobody took me up on that. But one person suggested that the stem was required for the tiller effect. The the tiller on a boat has to be a certain length so the steering forces from the rudder can be counteracted by a person. For a bicycle, the tiller is the handlebar, not the stem
#43
Habitual User



Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 9,928
Likes: 10,767
From: Altadena, CA
Bikes: 2025 Ritte Esprit, 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2022 Trek Supercaliber
Wouldn't it be both? (I could be wrong).
__________________
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 537
From: Maryland
Bikes: 1982 Bianchi Sport SX, Rayleigh Tamland 1, Rans V-Rex recumbent, Fuji MTB, 80's Cannondale MTB with BBSHD ebike motor
My road bike has bullhorns that put my hands a good 8-10 inches in front of the stem. That requires a little finesse to ride. the bike is stable but had to train myself to not pull sideways on the bars when coming out of the saddle. Almost went down the first time I rode it. No problems now.
My recumbent has the bars a good foot behind the stem.
Just modified my ebike with a stem riser and Jones H bar to get a more relaxed, upright ride. Getting old sucks. My hands sit probably an inch or so behind the steering axis.
When one thinks about it doesn't really matter where your hands are, they are still turning in a circle about the steering axis. In my experience having the bars in line with the steering axis make the bike more stable.
My recumbent has the bars a good foot behind the stem.
Just modified my ebike with a stem riser and Jones H bar to get a more relaxed, upright ride. Getting old sucks. My hands sit probably an inch or so behind the steering axis.
When one thinks about it doesn't really matter where your hands are, they are still turning in a circle about the steering axis. In my experience having the bars in line with the steering axis make the bike more stable.
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 864
From: NJ, USA
Bikes: two blacks, a blue and a white.
So many factors; it's really a "try it and see" thing. A big part is "what will the rider be doing?" The use case of "riding the boardwalk at the beach" is a lot different than "descending at 40mph" and a lot different than "snowy trails on a fatbike." While a modification may work fine for some situations, it might not be great for others. I imagine a Schwinn Sting-ray with frankenbike "double fork" extensions (think 15" of trail). That would be cool for riding around the cul-de-sac in the suburbs. Down a 7% two-mile hill at speed? Ummm, maybe not for me. This question of stem length seems very conditional on the use case. It's a pretty wide spectrum between "barely functional" and "truly optimal." User requirements do vary.
#46
Randomhead
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25,930
Likes: 4,825
From: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
#47
Habitual User



Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 9,928
Likes: 10,767
From: Altadena, CA
Bikes: 2025 Ritte Esprit, 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2022 Trek Supercaliber
That makes sense to me.
__________________
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
#48
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,841
Likes: 2,859
#50
Live not by lies.
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 837
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
What’s your use case?
For a road bike rider or hybrid rail trail type riding, this amount of clamping force seems perfectly adequate.
For someone riding downhill at a ski resort, it probably isn’t adequate.
Maybe if you and or bike are significantly heavier than normal it may also be inadequate.






