How to Determine the Correct Stem Length for Your Bike
Uncomfortable on your bike? The culprit could be your stem, the part that connects the handlebars to the frame.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Know that there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding stem length. Whatever is comfortable for you is right.
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2
Use your current stem as a point of reference. Is it too high or too low? Do you feel scrunched up when you ride? Too stretched out? Hunched over?
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3
Try raising or lowering your stem. As you lower the stem, the bars will get farther away from you. Raising the stem causes the bars to come closer. With a threadless stem, you'll have to add or remove spacers.
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4
Realize that even 1cm can make a dramatic difference. If you change stems, avoid buying one that's more than 1.5cm longer or shorter than your old one.
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5
Know that a longer stem will tend to soften the bike's handling, and that a shorter stem will make the steering quicker.
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6
Realize that if you have to buy a really long or really short stem, your frame probably doesn't fit you well.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When you buy a new bike, most bike shops will allow you to exchange your stem at no charge, after a few weeks, if you aren't comfortable with it.
Consider riser bars for a mountain bike. These will bring the bars up higher and closer without having to change your stem.
If your back or neck hurts while riding, your stem may be too low.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
To get an approximate length for your stem, first ensure that your saddle height and position (front to back) are correct. Now place your elbow against the front of the saddle with your hand outstretched, the center of your handle bars should be approximately 3cm (two finger widths) beyond the finger-tips of your outstretched hand. With the bike on a level surface, take a broom handle and place it across the saddle and the handle bars, ensure it is level, the top of the handlebars should be approximately 3cm below the lower edge of the broom handle. If you are going touring, or are new to cycling, you may want to start with the bars a little higher and as you get used to them gradually lower the bars to find your preferred position. For racing you will probably want to lengthen the stem and lower the bars as it will be more aerodynamic, but remember that you will probably spend most of your riding time with your hands on top of the bars resting on the brake hoods. -
Nov 22, 2005
A very important note with stem positioning, is that if most of you pain is in the shoulder and neck region, it is highly possible that it is cause by a stem positioned too high or one that is too short. This causes you to always push with your arms to maintain a correct position, which can lead to those pains. If you back pain is only present at the beginning of a ride but gradually fade away, it might be from a lack of proper stretching prior to your ride, and your position might not have anything to do with it.
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Nov 22, 2005
A very important note with stem positioning, is that if most of you pain is in the shoulder and neck region, it is highly possible that it is cause by a stem positioned too high or one that is too short. This causes you to always push with your arms to maintain a correct position, which can lead to those pains. If you back pain is only present at the beginning of a ride but gradually fade away, it might be from a lack of proper stretching prior to your ride, and your position might not have anything to do with it.
