Bike Fit (stem length) question(s).
09-13-08, 04:02 PM
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Bike Fit (stem length) question(s).
Hi,
I'm in the process of building up my first road bike. I'm down to a cassette which is coming in on Friday and the stem. For the purpose of fitting myself on it initially, I used a 60mm 6+- stem that I already had lying around. From everything I've heard, using this will cause an undesirable result as far as handling goes. Why is this? Is it just the for-aft length of the stem that affects this factor, or is it the actual length of the stem(factoring in rise)? What is the minimum length of stem that is recommended to avoid "twitchy" steering?
Also, what is considered a good saddle/bar drop to start with? With the 60mm stem, I felt some pressure on my arms and shoulders. Should raising the bars fix that?
Thanks.
I'm in the process of building up my first road bike. I'm down to a cassette which is coming in on Friday and the stem. For the purpose of fitting myself on it initially, I used a 60mm 6+- stem that I already had lying around. From everything I've heard, using this will cause an undesirable result as far as handling goes. Why is this? Is it just the for-aft length of the stem that affects this factor, or is it the actual length of the stem(factoring in rise)? What is the minimum length of stem that is recommended to avoid "twitchy" steering?
Also, what is considered a good saddle/bar drop to start with? With the 60mm stem, I felt some pressure on my arms and shoulders. Should raising the bars fix that?
Thanks.
09-13-08, 04:06 PM
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Not knowing anything about you I would say a good drop to start with is 0-1".
I've always chosen bikes based on using a 12cm stem, which is longer than most people. I would think you'd want to be between 9-12cm ideally.
I've always chosen bikes based on using a 12cm stem, which is longer than most people. I would think you'd want to be between 9-12cm ideally.
09-13-08, 04:09 PM
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Hi,
I'm in the process of building up my first road bike. I'm down to a cassette which is coming in on Friday and the stem. For the purpose of fitting myself on it initially, I used a 60mm 6+- stem that I already had lying around. From everything I've heard, using this will cause an undesirable result as far as handling goes. Why is this? Is it just the for-aft length of the stem that affects this factor, or is it the actual length of the stem(factoring in rise)? What is the minimum length of stem that is recommended to avoid "twitchy" steering?
Also, what is considered a good saddle/bar drop to start with? With the 60mm stem, I felt some pressure on my arms and shoulders. Should raising the bars fix that?
Thanks.
I'm in the process of building up my first road bike. I'm down to a cassette which is coming in on Friday and the stem. For the purpose of fitting myself on it initially, I used a 60mm 6+- stem that I already had lying around. From everything I've heard, using this will cause an undesirable result as far as handling goes. Why is this? Is it just the for-aft length of the stem that affects this factor, or is it the actual length of the stem(factoring in rise)? What is the minimum length of stem that is recommended to avoid "twitchy" steering?
Also, what is considered a good saddle/bar drop to start with? With the 60mm stem, I felt some pressure on my arms and shoulders. Should raising the bars fix that?
Thanks.
Have fun.
