Shorter Stem Length - Twitchy?

[gbs]

Is there a rule of thumb lower limit to stem length? I have changed from 120mm as supplied to 80mm but still feel overstretched. If I reduce further to say 60mm will the bike become twitchy?.

 

[User6179]

Is there a rule of thumb lower limit to stem length? I have changed from 120mm as supplied to 80mm but still feel overstretched. If I reduce further to say 60mm will the bike become twitchy?.

If its a drop bar bike and the handlebars are straight at the stem you could get a set of bars that sweep back the way which would have same effect as reducing the stem but would be less twitchy.

 

[gbs]

It is drop bar bike. I have never seen swept back bars - what brands are available here in the UK?

 

[Mo1959]

My bike came with a 90 and I initially felt too stretched out too. Changed to a 60 for a while and it did feel as though it reacted to your steering much quicker, but not dangerously so. In the end, I got more and more used to being on a road bike and reverted back to the original stem as I prefer being a bit more stretched out now.

 

[User6179]

It is drop bar bike. I have never seen swept back bars - what brands are available here in the UK?

I have syntace racelite cdr on my bike and they sweep back 10-15mm .

 

[Rob3rt]

A short stem might feel quite twitchy, but it is not dangerous, it is just personal preference whether this ride feel is acceptable really, just so happens, most people don't like that feeling any more than they like the feeling of a long stem which makes the bike steer like a boat!

 

[User6179]

Measure the reach on the handlebars as well , you may be able to get bars with shorter reach, I have 2 bikes with 130mm reach and 1 with 110mm reach .

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

wow going from a 120mm to a 60mm stem is a pretty big jump overall, are you sure the bike was the right size for you in the first place?

 

[gbs]

Yes, I am content that the frame size is optimal. I don't think that my personal dimensions are skewed in any way - height 6'2", inseam 34", shirt sleeve length 34.5" - but all three of my bikes I was given overlong stems as subsequently determined by cyclefit.

Very interesting comments above re 60 mm stems.

PS: I should have added that the bike in question is for local shopping and towpath use - short distances and rarely exceeding 2 hrs duration so quick/cheap fix is acceptable.

 

[gbs]

Eddy, eyeopening comment re syntace, The issue relates to a towpath bike so I am looking for a low cost solution.

Interesting this cycling business: after 3 years I thought I knew about the variety of suppliers and options but seemingly I have merely scratched the surface.

 

[BimblingBee]

My mate fitted a 60mm stem on his roubaix with no issues- it may even have been shorter as it was the shortest carbon on spesh had. I've ridden it too and even going over 50mph it felt fine. I'm sure these folk who complain about it becoming twitchy just need to learn to ride better!!

 

[screenman]

My mate fitted a 60mm stem on his roubaix with no issues- it may even have been shorter as it was the shortest carbon on spesh had. I've ridden it too and even going over 50mph it felt fine. I'm sure these folk who complain about it becoming twitchy just need to learn to ride better!!

Is that real speed or internet speed?

To the OP, have you tried increasing your flexibility?

 

[Rob3rt]

My mate fitted a 60mm stem on his roubaix with no issues- it may even have been shorter as it was the shortest carbon on spesh had. I've ridden it too and even going over 50mph it felt fine. I'm sure these folk who complain about it becoming twitchy just need to learn to ride better!!

Or they have a well developed sense of what suits them and what does not as far as handling characteristics go!

 

[accountantpete]

After a week or so you won't notice any difference - you get used to what is required and adjust instinctively.

 

[BimblingBee]

Is that real speed or internet speed

That's real speed, unfortunately in north Wales our internet is not that fast.