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-   -   Stem length for bullhorns (https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/730658-stem-length-bullhorns.html)

toosahn 04-26-11 03:53 PM

Stem length for bullhorns
 
I know that it is recommended that one shorten his/her stem length when switching to bullhorns. Right now, with my only option being ordering from the internet, how much shorter should I go? Thinking on average. Right now I comfortable ride a 110mm stem with slightly swept back risers (stock IRO stem and risers). Should I go 1, 2, 3, or 4cm shorter?

For reference, the bullhorns I am going to use are Syntace Stratos'.

Danke.

jpaschall 04-26-11 04:06 PM

I was running a 110mm with drops + hoods, then switched over to a 90mm stem with my Stratos bullhorns. It's good for me.

ianjk 04-26-11 04:12 PM

I'd just try the bar out with your stem, then adjust if needed.

illdthedj 04-26-11 04:16 PM

you want an at least 160 mm stem...total max aero positioning for mad street cred

hairnet 04-26-11 04:19 PM

Hellz-to-the-yeah
http://www.owenphilipson.com/blog/wp...2/62224859.jpg

striknein 04-26-11 04:20 PM


Originally Posted by illdthedj (Post 12560022)
you want an at least 160 mm stem...total max aero positioning for mad street cred

In other words, we can't tell you how your bike fits. Trial and error, brah.

dignandag 04-26-11 06:34 PM

I was unsure about this as well.

Chanced it with a 90mm stem to some nitto rb-018 bars and was perfect.

yummygooey 04-26-11 07:18 PM

I would drop 20-30mm since bullhorns will make the point of contact with the bars both lower and more forward when compared to swept back risers. Even still you'll obviously feel more stretched out if you make a habit of riding on the horns.

youngandcurious 04-26-11 07:26 PM

You might not have to change as far becuase stratos have a backwards sweep to them.

longjohns 04-26-11 07:43 PM

I ran a 70mm stem with rb021's and it was perfect. When running drops I run a 90-100mm stem.

carleton 04-26-11 07:59 PM


Originally Posted by striknein (Post 12560035)
In other words, we can't tell you how your bike fits. Trial and error, brah.

+1

toosahn, if you can't spend time to go to a bike shop and try some stems for size, then you will have to spend money and buy all of them till you luck up and get the one that fits.

toosahn 04-26-11 08:30 PM


Originally Posted by carleton (Post 12560982)
+1

toosahn, if you can't spend time to go to a bike shop and try some stems for size, then you will have to spend money and buy all of them till you luck up and get the one that fits.


True. I've already been to one shop and found that they had limited selection and/or none of the sizes I needed.

I was trying to get a ballpark to make an educated guess. I'll probably spring for a 90mm with the 83/97 rise.

Thanks for the help!

Xgecko 04-26-11 10:06 PM

I went from Bullhorns and a 80mm stem to Major Taylors and a 110mm stem

evilcryalotmore 04-26-11 10:37 PM

rb-021 with 95mm stem, works fine for me.

adriano 04-26-11 11:28 PM

dont go shorter.

toosahn 04-27-11 12:49 AM


Originally Posted by adriano (Post 12561785)
dont go shorter.

could you qualify that suggestion? why?

to update, I've tried 'em with the 110mm stem and they feel great, but I imagine the reach could get tiring over more than 15 minutes of riding.

hairnet 04-27-11 01:03 AM


Originally Posted by toosahn (Post 12561932)
I've tried 'em with the 110mm stem and they feel great, but I imagine the reach could get tiring over more than 15 minutes of riding.

So you rode with it for under 15 minutes? Go ride it for an hour really get a feel of what you need to do next.

toosahn 04-27-11 01:24 AM

I think since the neck and back pain started to creep up a bit in those 15 minutes, that it's safe to say it'll be worse around the hour mark :)

hairnet 04-27-11 01:54 AM

:[

Scrodzilla 04-27-11 04:53 AM


Originally Posted by toosahn (Post 12561932)
to update, I've tried 'em with the 110mm stem and they feel great, but I imagine the reach could get tiring over more than 15 minutes of riding.

Who rides their bike for more than 15 minutes???

http://images.cheezburger.com/comple...9576083989.jpg

adriano 04-27-11 08:12 AM

youre still improving your conditioning. i wouldnt worry.

illdthedj 04-27-11 09:35 AM


Originally Posted by Scrodzilla (Post 12562123)
Who rides their bike for more than 15 minutes???

http://images.cheezburger.com/comple...9576083989.jpg

you guise actually RIDE YOUR BIKES???
http://toguritraining.ca/wp-content/...n_hipster.jpeg
i just pose for pictures with mine.

vw addict 04-27-11 10:14 AM

I just push mine to Starbucks

toosahn 04-27-11 12:59 PM


Originally Posted by Scrodzilla (Post 12562123)
Who rides their bike for more than 15 minutes???

http://images.cheezburger.com/comple...9576083989.jpg

not all of us have the luxury of an extra hour a day or miles of bike-friendly road to just jump on and go at a whim.

I'm not saying that riding for pleasure is not possible in urban environments (far from it), but my day is often compounded with work and classes and this means no time or energy at the end of the day to head out for a long ride.

anyways, this is besides the point. As most of my trips are around the 15-minute mark (again, urban environment), it's a good guage for me to estimate comfort.

avner 04-27-11 01:13 PM

I'd say start at 80mm. I run an 80mm with rb021 and if you need it to be longer rebuy. At jensenusa you can find stems from 6$ and up


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