Shorter road stem.

[ethan12]

Hi, I would prefer a shorter stem on my roadie. There is a slight upward angle on the current one. If I get a 60/70mm stem, should I get a steeper upward-angled one to compensate for the shortening?
Thanks.

 

[2Loose]

What makes you think a shorter stem would be good?

General rule of thumb says that in a relaxed position you should be able to look down at the front axle bolts\qr and the stem clamp will be in line with it. If the stem\handlebar clamp is in front of the bolts then perhaps you are right, but a 60\70mm stem is pretty short and will no doubt quicken the steering up a bit...perhaps too much.

Alternatively, your seat maybe too far back?

I felt too stretched out on mine, despite having the seat forward. I got a 20mm shorter stem but ended up moving the seat back 15mm and now it feels perfect. Small increments make a big difference...

 

[cyberknight]

Small increments make a big difference...

+1 i was getting back ache on my commute till i dropped the seat 3 mm and put the seat forward about the same ..

Without seeing you bike set up it is hard to say , i would start right from the beginning getting your seat height and saddle set back right before i would play with stems.

Increasing the stem angle upwards effectively shortens your reach anyway , what size stem have you got atm , you might just need to buy a similar length one with more of an incline or can you alter the stack height to raise the stem?

 

[ethan12]

Thanks for your help. I think I'll alter the stack height and get a slightly shorter stem. I didn't think about the stack height but it would be better than a funny angled stem, they seem to be for a mtb.
Regards.

 

[amaferanga]

If you need a 60mm stem on a road bike then you bought the wrong size frame.

 

[zophiel]

not true. I had to get a larger frame as i have quite long legs but a shorter arm reach. So for my legs to in the right place it needed to be that size, but with short arms I was over stretching.