seat to bar reach

Gavin Cook
Gavin Cook Posts: 307
edited July 2010 in Training, fitness and health
Can anyone give me advise on how to find the correct reach from seat to bars ? I am wanting to try a different length stem but not sure which size is correct.

Comments

  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    there isn't a 'correct' reach as such - just whatever is comfortable for you, given your physiology and riding style...
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    By the bike fit 'book'
    if you can sit on the bike using the drops and the front hub is not obscured by the handlebar, then if hub is in front
    longer stem
    if behind
    shorter stem

    I repeat this by the 'book' and does not need to be taken heed of if you dont want to.
  • Gavin Cook
    Gavin Cook Posts: 307
    Thanks for you replies. Can you also tell me which point stems are measured from ?

    Thanks, Gavin
  • gavintc
    gavintc Posts: 3,009
    Gavin Cook wrote:
    Thanks for you replies. Can you also tell me which point stems are measured from ?

    Thanks, Gavin

    I am pretty certain they are middle to middle - that this the middle of where it connects to the bar and middle of the steerer.
  • rickwiggans
    rickwiggans Posts: 416
    That's what I thought - and it makes sense. I have since discovered that some are measured centre of the handlebar (ie where the stem splits) to the back of the steerer tube hole. BARMY! A bit like the confusion caused by some bars being measured outside to outside, and some centre to centre. Why for goodness sake?
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  • sirdjango
    sirdjango Posts: 123
    JGSI wrote:
    By the bike fit 'book'
    if you can sit on the bike using the drops and the front hub is not obscured by the handlebar, then if hub is in front
    longer stem
    if behind
    shorter stem

    I repeat this by the 'book' and does not need to be taken heed of if you dont want to.

    is this meaning you can see the whole hub of just a slight view of it?
    ride like the wind... with the wind... to the wind...
  • TommyEss
    TommyEss Posts: 1,855
    And yet my bike which was professionally fitted, and is vey comfortable - I can see the hub in front of the bars when I look down whilst on the drops.

    So, pinches of salt - but a good guide.
    Cannondale Synapse 105, Giant Defy 3, Giant Omnium, Giant Trance X2, EMC R1.0, Ridgeback Platinum, On One Il Pompino...
  • ballspondroad
    ballspondroad Posts: 181
    I work to the formula that the tip of my nose should be over the centre of the top of the steerer. But this may just be me.
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    can see my hub in front as well, but not by much..remember 'tis just a rule of thumb... if there is a huge gap then probably you are either squashed or reached out on the bike.
    Don't worry unduly if your upper body/elbows are already relaxed on the drops.
  • Old Tuggo
    Old Tuggo Posts: 482
    Put your elbow on the tip of your saddle, reach to the stem, and the width of your hand from your fingertips should be centre of the bars. This seems to suit most riders.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    Old Tuggo wrote:
    Put your elbow on the tip of your saddle, reach to the stem, and the width of your hand from your fingertips should be centre of the bars. This seems to suit most riders.

    Mine is exactly bang on that. Quite surprised actually.
    I like bikes...

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