Stems- advice on lengths and angle

grantstats
grantstats Posts: 43
edited January 2009 in Road beginners
Evening everyone,

Could somebody help with stem length and how a stem is measured? Also advice on a brand would be great.

Thanks
FCN 4

Comments

  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,715
    The length is from the centre of the bar clamp to the centre of the steerer tube clamp.
    The angle is between the line going through the centre of the stem and a line perpendicular to the steerer tube.
    The clamp size for a road bike will either be 26.0mm or 31.8mm, and you need the right one for your bike.

    Most brands are good. FSA are always fairly cheap and reliable.
  • grantstats
    grantstats Posts: 43
    Thanks, I am looking at going for a shorter stem. Any recommendations? I think after looking at something about 90mm? (the one my bike is about 120mm).
    FCN 4
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,715
    Budget?
    Bar size?
    Preferred angle?

    30mm is quite a dramatic change, why are you doing this?
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Grantstats wrote:
    Thanks, I am looking at going for a shorter stem. Any recommendations? I think after looking at something about 90mm? (the one my bike is about 120mm).
    If you're interested I have a Cinelli Vai 80mm or an Exotic 80mm (for oversized), 8 and 6 degrees rise respectively. They are both good budget stems, the Exotic is 124g (which is very light) including hardwear, the Vai about 160. Let me know if interested, I am about to sell them in classifieds. £10 each. Might I suggest getting a budget one first to see if the size suits.
  • grantstats
    grantstats Posts: 43
    thanks for the advice, main reason is although my bike feels great, at times the hoods feel like a bit of a stretch.

    Not looking for too much rise, just to change the length. I could spend to about £30.
    FCN 4
  • bigmat
    bigmat Posts: 5,134
    I'm looking for a 120mm stem at the moment so if yours is a decent lightweight one I might be interested in taking it off your hands.

    Cheers
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/41991871@N ... otostream/
  • grantstats
    grantstats Posts: 43
    No worries Matt, will let you know how it turns out with the shorter stem.
    FCN 4
  • ukracer
    ukracer Posts: 421
    MatHammond wrote:
    I'm looking for a 120mm stem at the moment so if yours is a decent lightweight one I might be interested in taking it off your hands.

    Cheers
    i got 120mm truvativ team oversized if interested let me know irsellers@hotmail.com
  • shane515
    shane515 Posts: 139
    alfablue wrote:
    Grantstats wrote:
    Thanks, I am looking at going for a shorter stem. Any recommendations? I think after looking at something about 90mm? (the one my bike is about 120mm).
    If you're interested I have a Cinelli Vai 80mm or an Exotic 80mm (for oversized), 8 and 6 degrees rise respectively. They are both good budget stems, the Exotic is 124g (which is very light) including hardwear, the Vai about 160. Let me know if interested, I am about to sell them in classifieds. £10 each. Might I suggest getting a budget one first to see if the size suits.

    Alfablue,

    Sorry to jump in but are you still selling the Stems? If so I would be interested are they both oversize????? Let me know and I will take one off your hands for £10.00

    Thanks and sorry for jumping in
    Shane
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Hi Shane

    I sent you a PM
  • e999sam
    e999sam Posts: 426
    Specialised do a stem that comes with 3 different collars which allow you to alter the angle.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    e999sam wrote:
    Specialised do a stem that comes with 3 different collars which allow you to alter the angle.
    Yes, I just got one, it actually has one collar (or sleeve) that you rotate to get the desired angle. I think mine goes between +/- 24 degrees. I like it!

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