Stem Questions

Alienman

I've got a number of questions concerning stem lengths that I am going to post as I go along in the process of looking for a new one.

First off, how do I measure the length of my current stem? Do I measure from end to end, or just the part between the bar and steer tube that you measure?

blister pus

centre of steerer tube hole to centre of handlebar hole

Alienman

Thanks.

Now second question. I want to add extra control which is done with wider bars and/or a longer stem. But having a wide bar and a long stem would just make steering slow, would it not? So what are the pros and cons of using wide bars with a short, medium, and long stem?

supersonic

Shorter stems reduce leverage, but also reduces the sideways effort needed when steering. With the reduced weight on the front, the steering often feels more direct, and to many feels better on the downs.

Wider bars add more leverage, and help stability. Together with a short stem you get a good combo of control and stabiltity.

Also look at bar height and head angle.