Stem length vs handlebar reach
10-08-10 | 12:15 PM
#1
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From: Royal Oak, MI
Bikes: 2007 Marin Point Reyes
Stem length vs handlebar reach
Are there any significant differences in fit or handling when using a shorter stem and longer reach handlebar vs a longer stem and shorter hb reach?
For instance, changing from a 100mm stem and 100mm reach hb to a 120mm stem and 80mm reach hb?
I can see that the longer stem will add to the reach when riding on the tops. Also, there would be less drop in the drops, since short reach handlebars usually have less drop a well.
Would anything else be affected?
For instance, changing from a 100mm stem and 100mm reach hb to a 120mm stem and 80mm reach hb?
I can see that the longer stem will add to the reach when riding on the tops. Also, there would be less drop in the drops, since short reach handlebars usually have less drop a well.
Would anything else be affected?
10-08-10 | 12:34 PM
#2
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Easier/shorter access to the brake levers in the drops.
Also from what I notice, (even amongst somewhat serious 6000mi/yr cyclists) is that a lot of riders (when riding casually) have their palms resting on the beginning of the handlebar bend rather than ON the hoods of the brifters. (makes me think a few more of them would benefit from a compact)
BTW I went to a compact 77mm HBar but it did not "feel" exactly like an 18mm difference from the 95mm HBar I was using previous. (What I am getting at: Try out the bar and then choose a stem length and angle that compliments it)
Also from what I notice, (even amongst somewhat serious 6000mi/yr cyclists) is that a lot of riders (when riding casually) have their palms resting on the beginning of the handlebar bend rather than ON the hoods of the brifters. (makes me think a few more of them would benefit from a compact)
BTW I went to a compact 77mm HBar but it did not "feel" exactly like an 18mm difference from the 95mm HBar I was using previous. (What I am getting at: Try out the bar and then choose a stem length and angle that compliments it)
10-08-10 | 12:41 PM
#3
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Your example would have the same reach in the hoods and drops, but the tops would be 2cm more stretched out on the 120/80 combo.
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10-08-10 | 12:46 PM
#4
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Easier/shorter access to the brake levers in the drops.
Also from what I notice, (even amongst somewhat serious 6000mi/yr cyclists) is that a lot of riders (when riding casually) have their palms resting on the beginning of the handlebar bend rather than ON the hoods of the brifters. (makes me think a few more of them would benefit from a compact)
BTW I went to a compact 77mm HBar but it did not "feel" exactly like an 18mm difference from the 95mm HBar I was using previous. (What I am getting at: Try out the bar and then choose a stem length and angle that compliments it)
Also from what I notice, (even amongst somewhat serious 6000mi/yr cyclists) is that a lot of riders (when riding casually) have their palms resting on the beginning of the handlebar bend rather than ON the hoods of the brifters. (makes me think a few more of them would benefit from a compact)
BTW I went to a compact 77mm HBar but it did not "feel" exactly like an 18mm difference from the 95mm HBar I was using previous. (What I am getting at: Try out the bar and then choose a stem length and angle that compliments it)
Seems a lot more comfortable, I'm gonna have to try a compact bar or shorter reach, whichever provides that type of fit.
10-08-10 | 01:08 PM
#5
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From: Royal Oak, MI
Bikes: 2007 Marin Point Reyes
Interesting. Did it feel like more or less than 18mm?
10-08-10 | 01:28 PM
#6
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Easier/shorter access to the brake levers in the drops.
Also from what I notice, (even amongst somewhat serious 6000mi/yr cyclists) is that a lot of riders (when riding casually) have their palms resting on the beginning of the handlebar bend rather than ON the hoods of the brifters. (makes me think a few more of them would benefit from a compact)
BTW I went to a compact 77mm HBar but it did not "feel" exactly like an 18mm difference from the 95mm HBar I was using previous. (What I am getting at: Try out the bar and then choose a stem length and angle that compliments it)
Also from what I notice, (even amongst somewhat serious 6000mi/yr cyclists) is that a lot of riders (when riding casually) have their palms resting on the beginning of the handlebar bend rather than ON the hoods of the brifters. (makes me think a few more of them would benefit from a compact)
BTW I went to a compact 77mm HBar but it did not "feel" exactly like an 18mm difference from the 95mm HBar I was using previous. (What I am getting at: Try out the bar and then choose a stem length and angle that compliments it)
10-08-10 | 01:30 PM
#7
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From: So. Jersey
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^^ Felt like less than an 18mm difference. Since I was looking to shorten the overall reach anyway, I used the same stem.
Now I am considering a steeper -17 or -20 angle to get a larger drop. (I feel I could go lower than the shallow drop bar provides)
BTW any angle would reduce the actual stem length. (though one mfr ??? measures length based on effective length and accounts for the angle in their measurement)
Now I am considering a steeper -17 or -20 angle to get a larger drop. (I feel I could go lower than the shallow drop bar provides)
BTW any angle would reduce the actual stem length. (though one mfr ??? measures length based on effective length and accounts for the angle in their measurement)
