Road Bike Ideal Stem Length
When road cyclists think about stem length we tend to only take into account the effect it has on our position on the bike.
Road bike ideal stem length. This size specific approach goes a long way to getting you set up with the correct stem length providing you ve chosen the right size frame another area where a bike fit comes in useful. The most important consideration when choosing a road stem is the stem length considered as a key factor in the overall fit of the bike. But mountain bikers change stem length depending on the handling. So even if your bike is not the correct size as long as you get the connection points in the ideal place you can still achieve a good and comfortable bike fit.
Generally speaking stem lengths on road bikes vary from 80 to 140mm with 100 to 110mm perhaps the most common sizes. Nowhere in the study of bicycle dynamics or frame design is the stem length discussed. This can however make for a less responsive feel. The rise angle of stem from fork to bar has quite a large effect.
Stem length will vary with the design of the bike. It must also address the rider s comfort biomechanics performance needs and the steering and handling of the bike. A proper bike fit has more to do with the saddle handlebars brake levers and hoods stem and most importantly shoes cleats and pedals. The longer the stem the more weight will be pushing forward on the bars making the bike more stable at high speeds.
Competitive racers will opt for a longer 120mm stem for optimum stretch. This may explain why dan and i disagree on ideal stem length for road. As a rule of thumb on a road bike you shouldn t run a stem much shorter than 90mm or much longer than 130mm. The steering of a bike is dictated by the head angle and trail but the length of.
Some manufacturers specify different length stems in relation to the frame size to try and offer the best fit. Sometimes you might need to customise the stem length yourself though. Stem length dictates how much weight is placed on the front wheel. Bike fit for road cycling can be complex.
If you need a stem length beyond those extremes your bike frame is the wrong size. Stem length does not affect handling of a bike. Find your ideal bicycle saddle part 1 duration. Oli beckingsale of bw cycling about reach and stem length.