shorter stem length - currently 90mm but reach too long.

[400bhp]

Try flipping the stem but you could also take the bike and wife back to Decathlon (I know) and get them to fit 80 and/or 70mm stems and see how she fits. Avoid the busy times and I'm sure they'd be happy to oblige. A lot of women's bikes come with short stems so it would not be unusual or cause handing problems.

They only do a 60mm (oversized) stem. They "advised" me about the stability issues (quoted "dangerous") which was one of the reasons I posted up this thread (I was sceptical about the "advice")

 

[Mo1959]

I need some help.

I've bought my wife a Triban 5A (54 cm) which is about the right height. I've adjusted the seat fore and aft position such that the knee is aligned with the 9 o'clock position with the pedal axle.

However, the reach is a bit on the long side.

What's a realistic and safe reduced stem length size to go down to? I was thinking 70mm but is that too short and will upset the ride?

I got this in the shortest size and don't feel like it affects the handling at all.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhs-25-highrise-oversize-stem/

 

[400bhp]

Fettling session done.

Stem flipped (Btwin stem's logos are mirrored on both sides so identical look) and bars raised by a couple of mill.

Seems to have made enough of a difference.

Thanks all - much appreciated.

 

[Andrew_P]

Fettling session done.

Stem flipped (Btwin stem's logos are mirrored on both sides so identical look) and bars raised by a couple of mill.

Seems to have made enough of a difference.

Thanks all - much appreciated.

Just in case you still need to shorten. My medium Boardman CX was too longer reach for my daughter I shortened to 70mm and flipped the stem. (If I recall it started out at 110mm). She finds it fine, I have ridden it with the current set up and rode it as hard as I have my other bike and in all honestly it was just as stable, no wobbles etc.

 

[gbb]

Fettling session done.

Stem flipped (Btwin stem's logos are mirrored on both sides so identical look) and bars raised by a couple of mill.

Seems to have made enough of a difference.

Thanks all - much appreciated.

Assuming what you've done gives a permanent result...brilliant, but if it doesn't, a 70mm stem certainly hasn't changed the feel on my roadbike...its not twitchy at all, responsive, yes...twitchy, no.
Some purists say a short stem spoils the look, and to a point I agree, but comfort is more important than the look IMO.

Although Mickles point re size is valid, in my case I measured every tube and reach distances etc when I brought my Ribble, bearing in mind they only come in S,M etc...a small was TOO small for me, a M was perfect apart from a slightly longer toptube compared to my old bike, so I compensated by getting the 70mm stem. Its perfect, the most comfortable bike ive ever had.