Do you think a 70mm stem is to short? I have a nice older LItespeed Vortex that the top tube is to long for me, I could buy a 70mm stem and I think it would workout but I don't want handling issues. Buy a stem or sell the bike?

i think a 90mm stem is too short, therefor by default my answer is yes.

Definitely not,
of it makes the rideable, it's a great idea.

I've used a 70 mm stem before. Currently I'm using a 60 mm stem. Sure it makes the handling a little twitchy at times but its nothing you can't get used to and its a LOT cheaper to try out than a new bike.

Regards, Anthony

The difference in distance the handlebar needs to travel for a given angle is almost completely independent of the stem length within 'normal' lengths.

Get a stem for $20-30. Try it. If you don't like it, eBay it.

also consider swapping out your bars for a model with less reach in combination with a shorter stem to achieve your fit.

If you don't mind riding an ill-fitting bike, it's fine.

What's the stem length on the bike now? I ask because I just purchased a 90mm stem to replace the 100mm that's on the bike now. I just wanted to bring the bars just a bit closer but I wouldn't want to go any shorter than a 90mm.

I have a 70mm on one of my older bikes and it does the job just fine.

70 is fine if its comfortable. Given the option of a shorter stem or shorter frame, the stem is way easier. I've ridden stems that length and been fine.

Having to resort to a 70mm stem on a road bike indicates the top tube is too long. A new stem is a reasonable alternative if you don't want to change your frame but it won't change the fact that the bike does not fit properly.

It would be too short for me.

70mm, 71mm, whatever it takes

I consider 120mm to be ideal but if your TT is that long...

A stem is cheaper than a new bike- so buy the stem and if it doesn't work- Keep it as a spare for the new bike.

Don't think you find the bike anything like unridable. I normally Change the stem from the OE on all my bikes and the Tandem with a long pilot has a 140mm stem- When I ride in front I put on a 60mm. But then Tandems don't handle in the first place.

At least a better fitting bike is easier to ride.

I need a bit of clarification here. Couple of questions.

1. If I wanted to bring the bars a bit closer, would rotating the bars up a bit help?

2. I read that 100mm for a stem is the right length for a stem on a frame that is fitted for you. Also, 100mm is the "sweet spot" for stem length. Is there ever such a thing in the first place?

The length of the stem itself does not make it too short. It depends upon the weight distribution of your body. Some people have short torso's, longer legs, short arms, etc. That's exactly why all this stuff is made. There are tons of people riding stems from 70-140 with no problems whatsoever. It depends upon how the bike is set up.

To get the bars closer, you might also try to raise them. I now own two frames with taller headtubes, Aegis Victory and Kuota Kredo. I am riding a slightly larger frame to get the taller headtube, 165mm vs. 145 because I am 50+ and not looking for a TT position on a bike. I used to ride a 54 cm. frame, now I am on 2 that have 55.5 cm. top tubes. I ride w/100mm stem instead of 120, which brings the bars back closer to me, also. I like my weight distribution much better, thereby I corner with more confidence. I feel more comfortable, also improving speed and performance. There is no set pattern that works for everyone.

The higher bar is geometrically closer to you. It is another way to improve your reach, especially if you have shorter arms.

1. Yes, but not that much.

2. The "Sweet Spot" is usually 110mm to 120mm.

That's interesting because my Tarmac came with a stock 100mm stem.

Thanks for all the input. I geuss I will try a 70mm. The frame was ok but I was getting front knee pain, to help this I put on a setback seat post to achieve Kops [I have Long legs short torso] this opened the frame up 20mm and made the reach feel long. The standover hight is perfect and the head tube lenght is about right at 16cm so a smaller frame would require 50mm's of headset spacers.

I was wondering the effect on slower or faster steering by useing a wider or narrower handlebar, say a 40cm VS 46cm. I know the width is subject to personal comfort and leverage in climes and sprints, but it would seem it could change handling characteristics like shorter and longer stems?

My opinion:

For a small frame - 50 - 53, 100mm is about right

Midsize frame - 54 - 57, 110mm

Large - 58 - 62, 120mm

There's about a 2:1 ratio between handlebar effect and stem effect; when measuring from bar to stem. When measuring conventionally, it's about 1:1.

Still, I'd recommend trying the 70 first before you do anything else. It's a quick, painless swap; you might find that you like it better that way, who knows. If you don't, you can try a handlebar swap, but I think you're going to end up needing a new frame.

Why?

The "correct" stem length is whatever you need to get the bars in the right place. "Ideal" stem lengths are nothing but fashion statements... it won't effect the handling in any appreciable way.

+1

I worked part-time in the men's department of a retail store while I was in college. I would always measure customers for shirts, slacks and suits and one minute I could have a customer that was 5'10" with a 35" shirt sleeve length and the next a guy that was also 5'10" but with a 33" or 34” shirt length. There just can't be one standard that fits everyone.

This is also why golf clubs are fitted by measuring the person's fingers to the floor and not just the person's overall height