rpenmanparker 

I know. I know. You can't have everything. But look at it this way. I did NOT ask for stiff! I have been using FSA OS-99 stems for years now with great results and they have been all of the above EXCEPT the half size part, i.e. available every 5 mm instead of just every 1 cm. I have a new bike build that despite its proper top tube length seems to need a 95 mm (9.5 cm) stem to match the reach of my other bikes. The FSAs used to be about $60 on ebay, but the NOS ones with the old graphics have dropped considerably recently to about $30 new or lightly used. I would gladly pay $60-80 for something similar in a 95 mm size. The FSAs weigh around 110-120 g in 100-110 mm size range. Any ideas?

dalava

Do they even make in half sizes?

Elvo

https://fairwheelbikes.com/tune-geil...em-p-4274.html

rpenmanparker 

Thanks Elvo, I think. Only $200 more than I paid for my last FSA. But damn good looking. Anyone else have any ideas a bit more economical.

rpenmanparker 

They used to be totally common. Nowadays not so much. But there are some.

datlas 

I just searched scambay and saw several, including 3T, Giant, and Thomson. All were priced reasonably.

rpenmanparker 

Thanks and of course that's obvious. I just thought I might score some recommendations. I'll go look there now.

emveezee

I think Cannondale's house brand stems often came in odd lengths like 95 and 105mm. They are quite decent stems. May be able to find one in a shop or on the bay.

rpenmanparker 

When you start looking around for the magic combination of reliable, light and cheap (Stiff really doesn't do much for me. I'm no Manx Missile), you pretty quickly realize how good a deal that FSA OS-99 really is. Especially the NOS ones. Maybe I will just spend an few hours on the "rack" and get stretched to fit what I have.

Fiery

Stem length is a pretty fuzzy measurement. Firstly, there's manufacturing tolerance (I seem to remember reading somewhere that length tolerance for Ritchey stems is somewhere in the ±5 mm range). Secondly, not every manufacturer measures length the same; for example, 3T actually measures length as extension from the steerer at 90 degrees, so their stems are effectively longer than a stem of the same nominal length that's measured center to center. Lastly, you have to take into account stem angle: a -17 degree 100 mm stem and 20 mm of extra spacers will give you the same position as a -6 by 95. Ideally, you should be able to directly compare any new stem to the one you already have before purchasing. For such a small difference, you should be able to find one that fits properly even if it's actually declared as 90 or 100 mm.

I hope this gives you more options if you don't succeed in finding an nominal (and actual) 95 mm stem..

rpenmanparker 

Thanks, your information is helpful to understanding what is going on, but I have to say, it doesn't make the actual acquisition of the right stem much easier. I mean, if the tolerances are that broad, and the measurement methods that different, then there is going to have to be a lot of trial and error going on. But it is good to know what's what. I often use the stem calculators, so I know how to judge the effect of a different stem angle. Thanks again.

Fiery

If I remember correctly, forged stems have larger tolerances than CNC machined ones. This variable stem length is something I've seen mentioned only once on some forum a few years ago, so do take it with a grain of salt - it is just something to take into account if you have a chance to check out a bunch of stems in person. The 3T-specific measurement is real though, I've seen it mentioned lots of times and I've seen an official diagram depicting how they measure.

dtrain

+1. There's a 95mm C3 'take-off' right now on ebay for cheap, but I'm sure they are heavier than the OP wants.

Hiro11

Tommaso 95mm Stem | Giantnerd

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