Speedee

I couldn't disagree more.

wagathon

Stem sizing isn't like shoe-sizing where if it's too small it's uncomfortable. It's more like shoe-sizing where ... whatever fits is best, no matter what the size is.

grey poupon

unless the top tube is around 30cm, yes--it's WAY too short

it will handle poorly (twitchy) and look very stupid

sorry it's not the answer you want, but it's the truth

Bontrager

If it works for you then it's the correct length. Ignore all of the pro peleton riders and OCP's above.

JeffS

+1

I'm glad someone said it before I had to. Key word being appreciable.

There's too much stress in here over spacers, stem angle, and stem length - all to emulate some imaginary "racer ideal".

Fox Farm

That would be my gut feeing as well.

Nessism

There is a reason 95+% of the roadbikes bikes sold have stems between 100 - 120; the steering geometry and weight distribution of the bike is designed around a stem this length. Many pros use frames designed around even longer stems since these guys don't carry a lot of upper body weight and the longer stem allows more weight to be placed on the front end - a good thing for handling.

A 70mm stem indicates the top tube is too long and will result in a rearward weight balance. This is not a tragic situation, but not ideal either. I see nothing wrong with trying it out for the OP, particularly since he already has the frame. No way I'd recommend anyone purchasing a frame/bike knowing the only way to get comfortable is to install a 70mm stem though.

Bontrager

There's a reason 95%+ of the bike shops I've frequented have a basket of various stem lengths next to the fit station... and it's not because the 100-120mm stem is ideal for everybody. If it was then there wouldn't be every conceivable length and angle available aftermarket. I don't see quill's making a comeback, either. Like each individual person, the bike has to be dialed into each individual for their type of riding style and current goals. I went from a 90mm stem flipped up to down to a 110 mm stem as I got more flexible and lost my gut. Now I'm back to wishing I had my 90mm up-flipped stem again because that spare car-tire is back

You can't compare pro's to us mere mortals. They get paid to ride and go as fast as possible over all else.

nitropowered

Get the 70mm stem and be happy with it. Then consider the overall reach when you buy your next bike. Keep the original stem because you'll want to switch the stem if/when you sell the bike. In the grand scheme of things, most people will swap out stems and bars when they buy a used bike but sometimes people look on ebay for a bike they can ride out of the box. Thats why you should keep the old one and replace it when it comes time for the auction block

Pendergast

Try it. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I always attributed the long stem fashion to the pros' desire to get lower by riding smaller frames, but if the fashion was created by pros with anorexic upper bodies dealing with handling characteristics related to that, all the more reason for "normal" people not to be slaves to that fashion. Do whatever works for you.

ExMachina

An obvious question is: have you gotten your saddle adjusted as you require? Also, are you happy with the drop from the saddle to the bars?

I'm only suspicious b/c I'm guessing that an "older" Vortex has the traditional, horizontal top tube and a 70mm stem really implies a non-ideal frame-to-rider fit. Can you straddle the top tube w/o difficulty?

sunnyside

I have 3 to 4 inches standover I am 5'10 with a 34 inch inseam, the bike is a 1999 57cm Vortex with a 56.5 TT I had to put a setback seatpost on the frame and move the seat back to get Kops and get some weight off my hands now the bike feels long to me.

WheresWaldo

70mm stem would be a perfect size for a 46cm bike, what are you talking about?
An adult sized bike does need a longer stem.

AnthonyG

Sounds like you would benefit from a custom frame with a shorter top tube. With a shorter top tube you could fit a longer stem and keep the fashion police happy and yes, it would be nicer but at a cost$$$.

Till then fit the 70 mm stem. The steering will likely be a little twitchy but its nothing you can't handle. You could try narrower handlebars but don't downsize too radically. Measure your shoulder width and MAYBE use a bar just a fraction narrower.

I'm using a 60 mm stem and 38 cm wide bars but I'm thinking of getting some 36 cm bars instead. I have REALY narrow shoulders.

Regards, Anthony

WheresWaldo

But Anthony, I seem to recall from earlier posts that you are a rather small person. Surely the 60mm stem you use is more appropriate to a frame sized for you. But on a larger sized road bike the balance is affected by many factors including but not limited to being either too upright or too stretched out. I believe Nessism spoke about overall balance in a previous post.

ExMachina

Ah-ha! So that's it--you're all legs! I've got a 34" inseam too, but I'm 6'2".

Sounds like you know exactly what you need to do then--try a (cheap) 70mm stem and see if you feel in firm control of the bike.

AnthonyG

Yes I'm short. Even with my custom 650c wheeled bike with its short top tube I'm still using a short stem although this is to do with my short arms/reach I believe. Still I think 80 mm would be the ideal stem length on my bike so 60 mm is still short. Yes getting the overall balance would be ideal but I would put finding KOPS as being more important, which the OP has done which then leaves reach. Short of getting an expensive custom frame built the OP is left with using a short stem which while not ideal, is fine.

Regards, Anthony

StanSeven

Sell the frame and get one that fits you better

OnyxTiger

Pay the cost to impress fashion police?!? Who in the world would do that?!!

Sorry for resurrecting an almost 7 year thread... but this one interested me. Either the fit on my bike currently is too aggressive or I can actually salvage it before having to sell.

Doge

Keep the bike but too short. In context my wife now has my son's bike and I'm going for a 60mm higher rise.
For basic riding it is fine. The buy a bike option is not practical.

RPK79

#CoastingApproved

JeffS

Same type of person who would use a word like aggressive to describe bike fit probably.

Or who would resurrect an ancient thread for a rhetorical question.

Maelochs

Yes a 70 mm stem is too short. Would never make it in the NBA, I don't care how well it shoots.

fstshrk

99% of the bike manufacturers spec their 55-56cm frames with 100mm stems.

But I am sure you know better.

Aubergine 

We have a winner!