Handlebar Stem Size

JimK
JimK Posts: 498
edited February 2012 in Workshop
Need some advise on a size for a handlebar stem, currently putting together a TT bike from my other road bike and was wondering about the legth of the stem. Is there anything about what length this needs to be in relation to the reach of a person etc. I am 5ft 9 in height with average reach, I have a medium sized frame of a Giant TCR3, current stem length is 120mm.

Jim.
"Nothing beats a good yawn in the morning"

Comments

  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    you'll just have to experiment.

    I bet you smaller though.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • JimK
    JimK Posts: 498
    I was thinking that reduce the size to around 90mm and use the adjustment on the aeros to suit.

    Jim.
    "Nothing beats a good yawn in the morning"
  • kentphil
    kentphil Posts: 479
    A shorter stem would make the bike have quicker steering and feel more "twitchy". Don't forget about adjusting the saddle too.
    1998 Kona Cindercone in singlespeed commute spec
    2013 Cannondale Caadx 1x10
    2004 Giant TCR
  • JimK
    JimK Posts: 498
    Last thjing I want is a twitchy bike, especially the courses I ride along, guess just have to experiment with it.

    Jim.
    "Nothing beats a good yawn in the morning"
  • richiebones
    richiebones Posts: 379
    IMO frame geometry and how your personal geometry fits into it has far more to do with whether a bike feels 'twitchy' or not. For me stem lenght is about getting comfortable, rather than forcing yourself into an unnatural riding position to be 'aero'. My rule of thumb is your arms should be slightly bent when your on the hoods, for me that's a 70mm stem on my 54 Tarmac
  • JimK
    JimK Posts: 498
    I have a medium framed Giant with a 120mm stem. My arms are slightly bent on the hoods,.

    Jim.
    "Nothing beats a good yawn in the morning"
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    TT bikes are generally run quite a bit shorter than a road bike set-up so if you're running 120mm for a road set-up then 90-100 is probably a good place to start. I wouldn't worry about comments regarding twitchiness - besides the weight over your shoulders stabilises the front of a TT bike and you steer by leaning.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • JimK
    JimK Posts: 498
    Found this on my travels through the Internet, seems to offer the flexability of the angle on the stem, my Giant stem has a larger angle than my current steed, Giant has compact geometry compared to the traditional of my Esprit. Anyone using this and have any comments, I am just looking for the best solution to be able to adjust my position in as many different ways as possible.

    Specialized Comp CLP Multi Stem.

    Jim.
    "Nothing beats a good yawn in the morning"

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