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Stem length for bullhorns

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Old 04-26-11 | 03:53 PM
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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.
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Old 04-26-11 | 04:06 PM
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I was running a 110mm with drops + hoods, then switched over to a 90mm stem with my Stratos bullhorns. It's good for me.
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Old 04-26-11 | 04:12 PM
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I'd just try the bar out with your stem, then adjust if needed.
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Old 04-26-11 | 04:16 PM
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you want an at least 160 mm stem...total max aero positioning for mad street cred
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Old 04-26-11 | 04:19 PM
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Old 04-26-11 | 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by illdthedj
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.
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Old 04-26-11 | 06:34 PM
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I was unsure about this as well.

Chanced it with a 90mm stem to some nitto rb-018 bars and was perfect.
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Old 04-26-11 | 07:18 PM
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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.
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Old 04-26-11 | 07:26 PM
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You might not have to change as far becuase stratos have a backwards sweep to them.
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Old 04-26-11 | 07:43 PM
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I ran a 70mm stem with rb021's and it was perfect. When running drops I run a 90-100mm stem.
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Old 04-26-11 | 07:59 PM
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Originally Posted by striknein
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.
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Old 04-26-11 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by carleton
+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!
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Old 04-26-11 | 10:06 PM
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I went from Bullhorns and a 80mm stem to Major Taylors and a 110mm stem
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Old 04-26-11 | 10:37 PM
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rb-021 with 95mm stem, works fine for me.
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Old 04-26-11 | 11:28 PM
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dont go shorter.
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Old 04-27-11 | 12:49 AM
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Originally Posted by adriano
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.
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Old 04-27-11 | 01:03 AM
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Originally Posted by toosahn
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.
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Old 04-27-11 | 01:24 AM
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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
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Old 04-27-11 | 01:54 AM
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:[
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Old 04-27-11 | 04:53 AM
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Originally Posted by toosahn
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???

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Old 04-27-11 | 08:12 AM
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youre still improving your conditioning. i wouldnt worry.
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Old 04-27-11 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
Who rides their bike for more than 15 minutes???

you guise actually RIDE YOUR BIKES???

i just pose for pictures with mine.
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Old 04-27-11 | 10:14 AM
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Old 04-27-11 | 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
Who rides their bike for more than 15 minutes???

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.
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Old 04-27-11 | 01:13 PM
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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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