Replacing Stem For Proper Fit
 

I have been questioning my fit with my bike lately. I'm 5'7" with a 30 cm inseam. Almost every ride I get on I feel like I'm stretched out. I have a feeling that I have to reach my arms out for the bars, I probably bend too much on my back too and my arms start to feel numb after a while of riding. My bike is only a 52 cm and I know this might be related to the stem which is 100 mm. Will replacing it with a 90 mm make a difference for a proper fit or will 80 mm be better? Any suggestions is appreciated. Thanks!

I would go with 90mm, 80 may make the bike a little more twitchy. Even though you would get reamed on the hot r not thread you can also rotate your bars up a bit to get the hoods closer.

Best tip: don't just go out and blindly buy a 90mm stem. Go to your LBS and get fit.

I don't think anyone can answer you as to what stem you should buy without fitting you properly. It is, however, easy enough to buy a few cheapo stems and try 'em out, see which you like better.

Where in your arms do you feel numbness? When you're riding your bike, is it difficult to take both hands off the bars without shifting your weight very much? How much bend in your elbow when you're in the drops, and sitting back in the seat normally?

Dude, can you post a picture of yourself. At 5' 7" with a 30 cm inseam I'd say forget cycling, call PT Barnum.

OK, all kidding aside you may be a prime candidate for a custom build bike.

Ah your funny. I did the same thing on an online fit measurement thing. I always type in the wrong measurement!

Isn't it expensive for a custom fit?

I went from a 100 to a 90, solved my reach and neck problems. Best decision I made!

Yup, I did this. I got 3-4 clearance ones from Jenson for like $7-8 each and I liked one enough that it's still on my bike.

I payed $75 for one and it was well worth it. I was stretched and my knees and hips were bugging me. Seemed to resolve the problems. Ive seen the super dooper custom fits go as high as $225 though.

All throughout my hands are numb after a while cause I feel tired after reaching out for the bars. Not much bend in the elbows when in drops too. I'd say roughly 30 degrees? This whole reach makes me sit on the top half of the saddle too instead of sitting properly with my sit bones. Could the frame be a cause of the problem too because I have such a small body...

Fittings don't always work so I'd rather experiment on the stems and save some money.

Sounds like a good idea.

what sort of saddle to bar drop do you have? and bike fits in NYC can be a bit expensive (tho very worth it if you spend a lot of time/money on your bike).

fify

A fit by a qualified, experienced fitter is worth every penny, and it will be right, or as right as it can be on that bike, when you're done. Sure, you can mess around with stems, but that may not be the only problem.

I never measured it but I'd say about 3 or 4 inches. I don't ride that much with my bike and when I do I go for long rides.

@shovelhd Fitting seems too much for a 17 yr old...

I'm thinking a shorter stem would help since I wouldn't have to reach forward and bend down as much and I can also sit back correctly on the saddle.

if you aren't riding that often, you might look for a higher angle (or move it up in the stack if you have room on the steer) in addition to shorter. it will make the occasional longer rides more enjoyable.

Now that I think of it, it could be the long reach of my handlebars too. But I think I'll go with an 80mm stem. Any suggestions to where I could buy one? I see that many sites usually sell 90mm or the 80mm are out of stock. Also, what are the drawbacks are using a short stem like an 80mm? I've seen people using 6mm. Thank you BF btw!

+1

Why are you thanking us? Nobody suggested buying an 80mm stem. Get fitted at a bike shop. It'll cost you but it'll be worth it.

You didn't answer the most important question - when you're riding the bike (on the hoods let's say since it's obvious you have problems being in the drops) can you take your hands off the bars easily? The answer to this will lead you to correct saddle position, which - as always - is step one. Well technically I guess it should come after proper cleat position...but let's not get crazy.

I'm about your size.
for a 52cm frame, 80mm to 90mm stem is around the ballpark with short reach bars, like the FSA compact bars.

For a rough guess of what length you need, ride the bike as it is setup now for about 1~2hrs and then look at where you are regularly placing your hands. Now look at where you want your hands to be and subtract the difference.

alternatively, just buy cheap stems in 80mm and 90mm and ride on each to see which one you like better.
You can sell both of them off and buy a better one in the length you like at a later point in time.

You don't need an entire fit from a LBS. Just take your bik into a good LBS, tell them you want a different stem, and they will put you and your bike on a trainer and tell you what size you need. They install a new one, you try it, and buy whatever size seems best.

My LBS has an adjustable stem they mount on your bike and show you how to make adjustments. You then take it out and ride for a few days and when you find your most comfortable position take it back. The stem has measurements for reach and rise, and the shop orders the needed stem. It's a very big contraption but it works great. Here's what it looks like.. http://bikefitkit.com/fit_kit/fit_stem.php

At 5'7" on a 52cm bike, unless you have T-rex arms, a 80mm stem is going to be really short.