How do you determine bike stem length?

Take into account that frame size will play a large role in determining the correct stem length. Stems between 100-120mm of length are known as long stems and anything below 90mm is considered as short stems. Generally on a road bike stems tend not to be shorter than 90mm and longer than 130mm.

What should my stem length be?

As a rule of thumb, on a road bike you shouldn’t run a stem much shorter than 90mm or much longer than 130mm. If you need a stem length beyond those extremes, your bike frame is the wrong size.

How do I know if my bike stem is too short?

When you think about it, reach changes a lot with your position on the bike: sliding back or forward on the saddle, moving your hands from the brake hoods to the bar tops to the bar drops, pulling on the bars during periods of maximum effort, getting your chin down on the stem during a long descent, and so on.

Is 100mm stem too short?

“Par” for stem length is typically 100mm. 80mm-120mm is in the “normal” range. Much longer or shorter than that and you may notice handling issues. As a PP said, 70mm is probably as short as you should go.

How can I find the stem length of my bike?

Unfortunately there are no reliable ways to determine stem length by a bike stem calculator. If you are moving your position from one bike to another, this can be done by measuring your old position from the tip of the saddle to the center of the handlebar. Also make sure you measure the drop from the saddle to the handlebar.

How many degrees of STEM do I Need?

Around 6 to 7 degrees of stem rise and a stem length that complements your position would suit you the best. If you are an experienced racer, most likely you have been through a bike fit process and know the length of the stem you need.

How does stem rise affect your bike position?

Stem rise affects the bike positioning and your reach to the handlebars. The higher degree of rise, the more upright your position will be. Alternatively, an inverted stem rise lowers the handlebar’s height in relation to the ground and keeps you in a lower position.

How is the size of a bike measured?

Frame size is commonly an expression of the seat tube length. Manufacturers differ in how this is measured, so two or three bikes from different brands, each with the same published frame size may actually be significantly different in actual size.