will a short stem impact control
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 354
From: NWNJ
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
will a short stem impact control
I think I need a new shorter stemI have a 90mm one now but still unable to ride comfortably in ths drops I could get a new shallower bar but I think a stem swap is cheaper and easier. But is there such thing as to short of a stem?
#4
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 354
From: NWNJ
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
sadly I think the frame is to big.....also to new and to costly so I am stuck. I tend to ride on the top of the bars and the hoods feels great but just a tad to long for a comfy drop ride.....I am just trying to make it a better fit
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,075
Likes: 6
there are some good cheap frames out there. what kind of bike do you have? you may be able to buy a frame and sell your old one for little or no investment.
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 354
From: NWNJ
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,075
Likes: 6
#10
South Carolina Ed

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 320
From: Greer, SC
Bikes: Holdsworth custom, Macario Pro, Ciocc San Cristobal, Viner Nemo, Cyfac Le Mythique, Giant TCR, Tommasso Mondial, Cyfac Etoile
zero setback seatpost and long-railed saddle like an Arione to move you forward?
#12
Senior Member




Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 10,322
Likes: 9,882
From: Utah
Bikes: Paletti,Pinarello Monviso,Duell Vienna,Giordana XL Super,Lemond Maillot Juane.& custom,PDG Paramount,Fuji Opus III,Davidson Impulse,Pashley Guv'nor,Evans,Fishlips,Y-Foil,Softride, Tetra Pro, CAAD8 Optimo,

I have 3 road bikes and a CX bike used on the road at various sizes. One 54 cm, 2 55 CMs, and a 56 CM. All are setup for the same saddle height, saddle to BB offset, saddle to handlebar reach, etc. With the varied geometry of each frame I've had to use quite the variety of stems. I'm even running a short 70 or 75 on the one bike. I really don't notice a difference in terms of handling for the most part. If I've been riding one bike primarily and then take out another I may notice a difference for the first 5 minutes or so and then never notice it again for the remainder of the ride no matter how hard I am going. A bike's handling is affected by so many factors and I believe stem length is just one of the many variables and by itself is not that big of a deal. Just my two cents, take it for what it's worth.
__________________
Steel is real...and comfy.
Steel is real...and comfy.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: Sucking wind in the Bluegrass countryside
Bikes: 2010 Trek 2.3
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,257
Likes: 5
From: A Coffin Called Earth. or Toronto, ON
Bikes: Bianchi, Miyata, Dahon, Rossin
if you need a short stem, use a short stem.
I'm using a 50 or 60mm on mine and it doesn't seem to affect handling much at all.
the steering precision, which affects the handling, is all in the rider.
now, if you're changing castor angle or wheel base, then that will affect how the bike handles.
I'm using a 50 or 60mm on mine and it doesn't seem to affect handling much at all.
the steering precision, which affects the handling, is all in the rider.
now, if you're changing castor angle or wheel base, then that will affect how the bike handles.
__________________
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Food for thought: if you aren't dead by 2050, you and your entire family will be within a few years from starvation. Now that is a cruel gift to leave for your offspring. ;)
https://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/arti...ger-photos.htm
Last edited by AEO; 11-20-11 at 08:44 PM.
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,222
Likes: 30
From: South Bend IN
Bikes: 1976 FRESCHI, 2004 Crumpton.
#17
Freddin' it
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
+1. Look for a handlebar that's short front-to-back (reach) and shallow top to bottom (drop). That can be the equivalent of a 10-20mm shorter stem right there.
#19
Papaya King
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, Ohio (Grandview area)
Bikes: 2009 Felt X City D, 1985 (?) Trek 400, 1995 (?) Specialized Rockhopper, 1995 Trek 850
Anyone have any recommendations for bars of this type? I've been considering some short drop / short reach bars also. I'm thinking about the FSA Omega, but I'm sure there are others.
#20
Freddin' it
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 807
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
The cheap aluminum bars that came with my Roubaix are like that. Just a Specialized house brand. Could probably have the LBS order a "replacement" set from them. Stroll the bikes on the floor, spot a set you like, and see if the shop will order a set from the manufacturer.
#21
wants185s
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Burr Ridge, IL
Bikes: Cannondale 2003 Caad 4
if you need a short stem, use a short stem.
I'm using a 50 or 60mm on mine and it doesn't seem to affect handling much at all.
the steering precision, which affects the handling, is all in the rider.
now, if you're changing castor angle or wheel base, then that will affect how the bike handles.
I'm using a 50 or 60mm on mine and it doesn't seem to affect handling much at all.
the steering precision, which affects the handling, is all in the rider.
now, if you're changing castor angle or wheel base, then that will affect how the bike handles.
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 0
#23
I had the same problem and didnt want to go for an 80mm stem (have 90mm) so I got the Zipp SL short and shallow bars and that did the trick. When I got fitted the guy said I have a shorter than normal torso....




