Yet another stem length question

miffyl

I have this bike: http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/2009/archive/fuelex65. I've changed the bar to this one: http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBFSMAXIMUS/fsa-maximus-atb-handlebar.
The stem is 100mm or 110mm (depends if measuring horizontally or along the top)
I'm now considering changing to this stem: http://superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=463 but am unsure whether to go for the 80mm or the 65mm. Will I notice a huge difference going to the 80mm or is 65mm likely to be better - will a change of 20-30mm be enough to see a difference? Obviously I can't change my mind once I've fitted/ridden it so don't want to make a bad choice I'll regret later.

Cheers, Mafu.

nicklouse

yes you will notice quite a bit as you will move your CoG rearward. the front of the bike will be lighter making climbing harder. your knees may catch the shifters.

and yes you can change your mind just buy another stem.

but for the Fuel I would be keeping near the 100mm stem length for the average person.

ianm7222

I changed from a 120mm stem to a 90mm stem and noticed a dramatic improvement to the steering response, if the bike feels okay now, then don't get to carried away with all the hype about short stems, you'll be fine with an 80. particularly if the new bars are slightly wider. more control going down and along without too much wandering going up.