Stem Change

Diggabot

I currently have a 105mm stem on my bike but I feel a little stretched when I'm on the hoods. I've just ordered a 90mm stem to shorten the reach a small bit. Has anyone experienced any change in handling when they've gone to a smaller stem? I know its only a small difference but I've read that you can feel a difference in your turns.

C3PO

Diggabot wrote: »

I currently have a 105mm stem on my bike but I feel a little stretched when I'm on the hoods. I've just ordered a 90mm stem to shorten the reach a small bit. Has anyone experienced any change in handling when they've gone to a smaller stem? I know its only a small difference but I've read that you can feel a difference in your turns.

15mm is not really a "small difference" and will have a noticeable effect on the handling of your bike. No big deal but the bike will feel a little "twitchier" with the shorter stem. 90mm is quite short for a road bike - is the frame the correct size?

happytramp

Recently switched from 90 to 110 after a bike fit. Both were fine although 110 is ergonomically correct I preferred the tighter control from of sitting on top of the bars with the 90 as opposed to stretching for them with the 110. That's just me though.

quozl

I tried a 90mm stem when I first built my bike. I found it grand. I now have a 110mm stem, again grand.

I didn't really notice that much of a difference to be honest but I'm new to road bikes so doubt I'd be very sensitive to these things.

Another option to shorten reach is compact drop-bars like these - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/deda-elementi-rhm01-road-handlebar-black/rp-prod84200
Those would reduce your reach to the hoods by a couple of cm compared to anatomical bars. Obviously wouldn't affect your reach to the tops.

When I was first getting on a road-bike last year I got those compact bars and a 90mm stem. I'm now back up to 110mm stem and considering going to 120mm. Just a gradual process of getting used to the bike and getting a stronger back, I guess.

slap/dash

C3PO wrote: »

15mm is not really a "small difference" and will have a noticeable effect on the handling of your bike. No big deal but the bike will feel a little "twitchier" with the shorter stem. 90mm is quite short for a road bike - is the frame the correct size?

Agreed. Maybe your saddle position is too far back(get someone to fit the bike)

Some us bikes like specialized and etc tend to have long top tubes. It could be a geometry issue. See if the dudes u bought from will do a bike fit. If you really feel stretched out small changes are best. Flip stem to upright or get one with a higher rise. If changing stem don't change more than 10mm at a time. Maybe grab an old used stem from lbs parts bin. Good luck

Diggabot

C3PO wrote: »

15mm is not really a "small difference" and will have a noticeable effect on the handling of your bike. No big deal but the bike will feel a little "twitchier" with the shorter stem. 90mm is quite short for a road bike - is the frame the correct size?

Yeah frame size is correct (I was fitted when I bought it) and I've adjusted the saddle position as well , I'm just feeling a bit stretched on the hoods. Thought about the 100mm but felt 5mm was too little. I figured it would be twitchier but I guess it's no different than getting on a proper road bike for the first time.

Charlie69

Diggabot wrote: »

Yeah frame size is correct (I was fitted when I bought it) and I've adjusted the saddle position as well , I'm just feeling a bit stretched on the hoods. Thought about the 100mm but felt 5mm was too little. I figured it would be twitchier but I guess it's no different than getting on a proper road bike for the first time.

switched from 110 to 90 with no pro at all, huge improvement actually