stem length

chatlow
chatlow Posts: 850
edited October 2013 in Workshop
I have got a Giant TCR1 in size Medium/Large.. should have waiting for a Medium, but I am impatient (and got a good deal)

The handlebar reach has been the only issue. It's not too bad but I've found that changing the standard 100mm stem to an 80mm is much nicer to ride and and may stop me from selling it :D

Question is - will this shorter stem have any impact on the stability of the bike. Feels OK, albeit the steering slightly different, but hardly noticeable IMO.

Thanks

Comments

  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    If it feels OK to you then don't worry. Different people have different setups and riding styles. Try riding in on a variety of roads uphill, downhill, rough, smooth, sharp / wider corners to be sure. While tall I prefer a slightly shorter reach slightly more upright than standard on my road bike but others go for a long reach low down racing position.
  • chatlow
    chatlow Posts: 850
    thanks - think you're right - no reason to sell it for being a tad too big on the reach if a shorter stem fixes it! It's a lovely bike and will find it tough to replace. Will take it out later and tomorrow and put it through its paces to test.

    thanks again
  • smidsy
    smidsy Posts: 5,273
    chatlow wrote:
    Question is - will this shorter stem have any impact on the stability of the bike. Feels OK, albeit the steering slightly different, but hardly noticeable IMO.Thanks

    Answer is...in the question :D
    Yellow is the new Black.
  • chatlow
    chatlow Posts: 850
    smidsy wrote:
    chatlow wrote:
    Question is - will this shorter stem have any impact on the stability of the bike. Feels OK, albeit the steering slightly different, but hardly noticeable IMO.Thanks

    Answer is...in the question :D

    haha.. i was in hope the question would be answered from a very technical point of view. You're right though - if it feels OK then surely it will be OK?!
  • smidsy
    smidsy Posts: 5,273
    The technical answer goes something like 'shorter stems make for a more nervous front end'.

    But in reality you get used to whatever you have now and forget what you used to have.
    Yellow is the new Black.
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    ^^This
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I remember one time when all I rode was a MTB with a very short stem, I had a go on a colleague's road bike. It had a very long stem, and I felt like it had the turning circle of an oil tanker; very strange feeling.

    I still have only 90mm stems on my road bikes cos I'm more legs and less torso than average.
  • bobones
    bobones Posts: 1,215
    I'm another all legs guy and recently swapped from 100 to 90 mm on one of my road bikes. I didn't notice any difference in handling, but my knees can now brush the handlebars when I'm out of the saddle. It's not majorly annoying, but just something to be aware of if your considering going for a really short stem.

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