Measuring the stem?

rodgers73
rodgers73 Posts: 2,626
edited November 2010 in Workshop
I'm looking for a new stem. It's a quill type for an old bike.

I'm happy with the length of the current one so want to replace like with like, but I'm not sure how to measure it.

Do I measure the distance from the downtube to the front of the bars or the (closer) rear side of the bars?

Do I start the rear measurement from the front or the (closer) rear of the downtube??

Thanks

Tom

Comments

  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Sheldon Brown wrote:
    Reach / extension is normally measured center-to-center along the direction of the extension.

    You might struggle to find a quill stem and if you do I don't think it will be cheap. You might be better off buying an Aheadset adapter and ahead stem to suit.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    Evans sell quill stems according to a quick Google. Redvee is correct that some will be expensive, but you should be able to land one for ~£30
    Ben

    Bikes: Donhou DSS4 Custom | Condor Italia RC | Gios Megalite | Dolan Preffisio | Giant Bowery '76
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_h_ppcc/
    Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/143173475@N05/
  • crankycrank
    crankycrank Posts: 1,830
    rodgers73 wrote:
    II'm happy with the length of the current one so want to replace like with like, but I'm not sure how to measure it.
    Thanks

    Tom
    Measure the stem from the center of the expansion bolt hole to the center of the bar clamp aka center to center. This is how any stem I've seen is measured. Sometimes your stem will also have the length stamped on it somewhere in very tiny numbers. Try looking at the steerer insertion part, bottom of the stem extension and possibly the inside of the bar clamp for markings.
  • 2alexcoo
    2alexcoo Posts: 251
    Nitto make a very nice quill stem for 36 notes.
    Alex

Categories