How do I know my stem length?
02-12-10 | 03:38 AM
#1
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How do I know my stem length?
Hi all, in the works for a custom build, and was wondering what stem length is right for me... before I buy one. Is 120mm just the default and usually ok, or do I need to try out lengths in the shop somehow before I get one?
02-12-10 | 03:43 AM
#2
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From: 52°57'N 6°21'E
Bikes: Giant OCR
120mm Is pretty much default I think. Though, I couldn't get used to my 120mm and am currently riding with an 80mm (yes, short...). Best thing to do is see if a shop has the posibility of trying out different stems, maybe through a fit program or something?
02-12-10 | 03:50 AM
#3
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
there is no "default" stem length that will work for everyone, or even most people.
Typical stem lengths are 90-110mm. The stem length that will work for you depends on how your body fits to your bike.
Typical stem lengths are 90-110mm. The stem length that will work for you depends on how your body fits to your bike.
02-12-10 | 04:24 AM
#4
Hills hurt.. Couches kill
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From: Brazil, IN
Bikes: 1991 Specialized Sirrus Triple, 2010 Trek Madone 6.5 Project One, 2012 Cannondale Caad10, 2013 Trek Crockett
Depends on the size of the bike, generally the larger the bike, the longer the stem that comes standard with it.
02-12-10 | 05:03 AM
#5
Sua Ku
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From: Hot as hell, Singapore
Bikes: Trek 5200, BMC SLC01, BMC SSX, Specialized FSR, Holdsworth Criterium
If you are "in the works for a custom build" then you should be either a) working with an experienced fitter who will dial you in correctly or b) know exactly what you need.
If it's b) then you should still validate with a).
02-12-10 | 09:12 AM
#7
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
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02-12-10 | 09:14 AM
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
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02-12-10 | 01:28 PM
#10
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I'll give the fit calculator a try and see what it tells me, though I am a bit skeptical about formulaic determinations of fit.
02-12-10 | 02:08 PM
#11
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
Calculator is a place to start, and you can modify from there as needed. 100mm is pretty common for that frame size and is fairly neutral... Would not be a bad place to start either.
02-12-10 | 06:48 PM
#12
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haha yeah, that's correct. Realized that term could be misleading, but I'm currently building up an S1. It's a 56cm, so right in the middle in terms of bike size.
I'll give the fit calculator a try and see what it tells me, though I am a bit skeptical about formulaic determinations of fit.
I'll give the fit calculator a try and see what it tells me, though I am a bit skeptical about formulaic determinations of fit.
02-12-10 | 07:40 PM
#13
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Thanks, I'll check it out. Heading down to Helen's tomorrow for a more complete idea and to try out some sizes.
02-12-10 | 07:45 PM
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