Stem length advice ?
iantw
Posts: 13
I need to raise the handle bars on my bike, due to physical discomfort and I am considering an adjustable stem, as this will raise the bars, should it be the same length as the current fixed stem or shorter?
thanks in advance.
thanks in advance.
0
Comments
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This depends on if your current discomfort is purely to do with reach and if your current stem is set up for a + or - degree angle. If it is on a + and you feel stretched then maybe a shorter one will be suitable.
Either way this is a good note from http://www.bonthronebikes.co.uk/help/bike-stemsWhat's the best length for a Cycle Stem?
Look at your current stem size, stack and length. Then consider your ride preferences: longer stems are best for hill climbing but you won't have as good control. Short stems offer a better ride in general but the trade off is hill climbing - you'll need to get out of the saddle! Also remember that a longer reach stem will mean you are stretched out over long periods and may cause back ache so all these things need to be taken into account when buying a stem.0 -
I was suffering from pain in my upper back/shoulders on longer rides, so went for a shorter, higher stem. It made no difference, or if anything made it worse.
In the end I went for a proper bike fitting, they ended up fitting a longer, lower stem and the actual problem was my riding position. Feels a little weird but definitely more comfortable on longer rides than before.
It's worth doing even if you are an experienced rider, by the time you've bought a few stems you could have paid for the fitting...0