The effect of a shorter stem

that would be just fine.

I can't tell the difference between stems that are 1cm different from a handling point of view, but from a comfort point of view I can tell the difference.

All the talk about a 'twitchy' front end with a short stem is exaggerated. I can feel a slight difference in handling on a stem that's 2cm different on the same bike, but only a very slight difference.

Go for it - comfort is more important.

I've just changed stems myself. The original on my bike measured 115mm (c to c), and after taking it off, I saw the length stamped on as 110mm! I replaced with a 100mm.

At slower speeds - up to about 20mph - I cannot feel much difference in the steering speed. At faster speeds however, there is certainly a notable difference. It doesn't feel twitchy, just more responsive; a flick of the handlebars results in a slightly quicker direction change.

The only downside to my new set-up, is riding no hands down hill at 30mph feels more likely to result in a tank slapper!

All the same, I think the difference it makes in general terms, probably boils down to frame geometry.

I wouldn't describe it as being more comfortable, for me it's about being able to hold a better position, relative to the saddle, to be more efficient. Is your stem flipped down or up? If it's down, it may be worth trying it flipped up.

Rick Chasey wrote:

People exaggerate the effect.

Took me all of 20 seconds to adjust to my new stem which was a good 6-7cm shorter than my old one.

6-7cm?!? What the hell length are/were you using?

To get the riding position the same between my summer and winter bike I have a 2cm difference between stem lengths. Every time I go from one to the other I notice the difference but after about 400yards i'm used to it! You will notice it more out the saddle on the hoods initially.

Agree with those who say you won't notice the difference in handling changing a stem by, let's say, 20mm or so - or if you do, it will be something you adapt to within a few miles. It really doesn't make a big difference.

Where it will make a big difference is the comfort - here you really can feel the changes - and comfort is pretty much the most important thing - so make the change, get comfy and don't worry about any effect (perceived or real) that it might have on steering.

Obviously, if you are changing stem length by, let's say, 50mm - that will take some adaption - but I would suggest that there is something wrong with the size or set-up of the bike if you need such a drastic change to try and make it comfy.

[

The only downside to my new set-up, is riding no hands down hill at 30mph feels more likely to result in a tank slapper!

That must be all in the mind - all the stem does is put the bars ahead of the steerer - if you're not holding the bars it won't make the slightest difference! Headtube angle, fork offset and trail might affect no-hands twitchiness, but the stem can't![/quote]

It is not in the mid Sir - I'm not talking crap here! There is definitely a difference for me in the feel of my bike, including no hands!

Rick Chasey wrote:

dawebbo wrote:

Rick Chasey wrote:

People exaggerate the effect.

Took me all of 20 seconds to adjust to my new stem which was a good 6-7cm shorter than my old one.

6-7cm?!? What the hell length are/were you using?

It was a long one, and now it's a really short one.

It's maybe 6-7 cm long? I just bought the smallest one there was.

So you went from a Boonen-esque 140mm stem to a 70mm one? Yes - that would be a massive change in fit and handling.

Pokerface wrote:

Rick Chasey wrote:

dawebbo wrote:

Rick Chasey wrote:

People exaggerate the effect.

Took me all of 20 seconds to adjust to my new stem which was a good 6-7cm shorter than my old one.

6-7cm?!? What the hell length are/were you using?

It was a long one, and now it's a really short one.

It's maybe 6-7 cm long? I just bought the smallest one there was.

So you went from a Boonen-esque 140mm stem to a 70mm one? Yes - that would be a massive change in fit and handling.

It was big change in fit. Didn't notice the handling much.

"It is not in the mid Sir - I'm not talking crap here! There is definitely a difference for me in the feel of my bike, including no hands!"

I'm wondering if it's because the headset bearings are loaded slightly less than they were, having presumably removed / replaced the top cap during the stem swap?? Any headset noise / movement?

Pickled Pig wrote:

neeb wrote:

That must be all in the mind - all the stem does is put the bars ahead of the steerer - if you're not holding the bars it won't make the slightest difference! Headtube angle, fork offset and trail might affect no-hands twitchiness, but the stem can't!

The further the mass of the bars are from the centre of rotation the greater the inertia of angular momentum, so bar movement will be affected by stem length, even if your not touching them.

You'r right of course, and I stand corrected in theory - but surely this is difference will be so tiny as to be practically non-existent compared to the other forces acting through the forks / steerer etc when you are going downhill? Or perhaps it is one of those situations where everything is in equilibrium and even a minute force can make a significant difference?

Interesting anyway.