Road Bike Handlebar Stem Length

If you need a stem length beyond those extremes your bike frame is the wrong size.

Road bike handlebar stem length.

The effective height gained as a function of the stem s angle and length. If the stem length is correct the handlebars should completely hide the front hub. Comfort should be your guide when adjusting the height of the handlebars. Stem length will vary with the design of the bike.

One good rule of thumb for choosing the correct length stem and it works for the road cc team is to sit on the bike with your hands on the top of the hoods and look down at the front hub. Riders looking to achieve a long low and aerodynamic position on the bike e g. The rise angle of stem from fork to bar has quite a large effect. Stem length designated in millimeters may be indicated on the stem.

Stems help you achieve a proper bicycle fit. However most stems are not marked and must be measured in order to determine size. Dimension 31 8 stems are fully forged 6061 t6 aluminum stems that have a 4 bolt handlebar clamp. Mountain and road bike stems are available in different lengths and rises to suit the needs of any rider.

Measured vertically from the center of the handlebar clamp to an imaginary line that bisects the central meeting point of the extension and vertical portion of the stem. In order to alter stem length you must first know the length of your current stem. As a rule of thumb on a road bike you shouldn t run a stem much shorter than 90mm or much longer than 130mm. If you can see the hub in front of the handlebar the stem is too short.

This less than 90 degree angle applies to road bikes touring bikes and indoor bikes. For non racers of many disciplines the top of the bars may be even with the saddle or even higher. Competitive racers will opt for a longer 120mm stem for optimum stretch. Stem length is one aspect of a road bike that you can alter to increase both comfort and performance.

The road bike racer typically has the top of the handlebars below the seat height. The overall length of the vertical portion of the stem. Assuming you have a handlebar you want to marry you can use stem length to keep reach within proper fit guidelines for your type of riding but that won t do much for drop without also affecting the height of the top and hoods.