Poll: stem problem
 

I ordered a 110mm Ritchey WCS 17/73 alloy stem in order to get a more aero cockpit. Today, when installing the new stem, i realized that I ordered the wrong size. When i got a bike fit, i was told that the stem is a 110mm stem (should have just taken the damn thing off & looked inside), but it happens that my old stem is actually a 100mm stem. So now, instead of just going from -8 to -17, i'm also increasing reach by 1cm.

All i have thus far is a 1 mile test ride on a crit course. I feel slightly stretched out in the drops, but pretty comfortable on the tops. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

If you have had stem length changes (going to a longer stem), I would love to hear your story.

Thanks in advance,

Jim

I'd return it and get what you need. A stem is easy enough to swap out.

get a 90~95mm stem.

... where's that stem chart...

i looked at it, but the thing is, if 1cm is too much in the eyes of many, then it's probably 1cm too much...

damn, should have taken off the original stem to take a look, i didn't even think that it was marked inside...

edit:

actually, since you suggested it, i did some quick calculations

the horizontal reach of a 100mm, 8 degree stem is 99mm, that of 110mm, 17 degree stem is 105mm, and that of 100mm, 17 degree stem is 95.6mm.

Return it and get the one you need because that angle will also increase your reach and it's never a good feeling to be too stretched out. On my BMC I set it up pretty aggressively but opted for the 110mm stem at 84d instead of using the 73d I had simply because it increased the reach beyond what felt comfortable. I'm not running any spacers and the 110mm/84d makes the fit perfect and to get a bit more drop I got the Classic Bars so I also have more hand position options than a regular bar with flat transition from hoods to bar.

I have one of each size (90, 100, 110, 120 and 130mm). They're performance cheapos that I can use to get the fit right on whatever bike I have at the time. Once I get it right I go buy a good one.

I had the same problem. I was wondering if I could swap it at a bike shop.