Smaller stem for road bike?

leecurlywurly

Need advice from road bike experts!

I have a new road bike, while it feels ok riding it however I like to shorten the stem to give me more bend in the arm as it feels a wee bit stretched.

Currently at 110MM, how low should I go in size? 60/75/80/90mm. Looking to buy online

Thanks

at1withmyself

leecurlywurly wrote: »

Need advice from road bike experts!

I have a new road bike, while it feels ok riding it however I like to shorten the stem to give me more bend in the arm as it feels a wee bit stretched.

Currently at 110MM, how low should I go in size? 60/75/80/90mm. Looking to buy online

Thanks

Can you move the saddle forward to experiment or borrow a stem from a friend? I use a 90 mm one on my road bike and find it very comfortable. If you find you have to go shorter I would be thinking the bike is not the right size for you, not saying it can't be done but going down to 60 mm would be very short.

happytramp

I'd go with a 90mm. Or move your saddle forward a bit.

chakattack

I wouldn't move your saddle to fix a reach problem. Saddle position is very important and this is likely to screw it up and move the discomfort elsewhere.

I'd try 90mm. Anything less than 80mm affects how the bike steers.

I saw your post about shifter reach, the best bet might be a shorter stem and different handlebars. A "compact" handlebar will help you get the shifters where you can reach them from the drops or hoods comfortably. I think Cinelli Vai bars or the FSA compact range are good for small hands.

smacl

chakattack wrote: »

A "compact" handlebar will help you get the shifters where you can reach them from the drops or hoods comfortably. I think Cinelli Vai bars or the FSA compact range are good for small hands.

+1, I opted for FSA Omegas as a cheap and cheerful compact option, and really like them.

aFlabbyPanda

I switched from 110 to 70 on my last bike and it was a little twitchier while at slow speeds but other than that it was fine.