Stem advice please

[DooDah]

Hi all,
I think I need a slightly shorter stem for my bike, as I feel like I am over-reaching when on the hoods and I can see the front hub in front of the bars. However, how do you measure a stem, is it centre to centre or total length. My stem is the standard on a boardman race, what would people recommend? Also, how do you know what tilt you have and what tilt to buy. All very confusing to me. In fact everything about cycling has been confusing since I started back in May 2012, but I must confess very exciting (and expensive!).

 

[Banjo]

Stem is measured center to center. I would ride it to a bike shop and let them advise you and maybe try a couple before U buy.

 

[DooDah]

Stem is measured center to center. I would ride it to a bike shop and let them advise you and maybe try a couple before U buy.

Thanks Banjo, unfortunately I don't have any bike shops near me so I was hoping to buy online. What would a good make of stem be, in your opinion?

 

[Banjo]

Not an expert so cant really reccomend one. I would pick one in your price range then ask on here if it is a good one or not.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Bike specs don't generally specify the exact details of stems, as THIS proves.

As Banjo says, they measure stems from centre to centre.

There are some details HERE about stems, check out Google, or AASHTA

FWIW if I'm upgrading such things I like Ritchey WCS gear for my finishing kit*


*if you're not familiar with the term finishing kit it simply refers to bars, stem and seatpost. If you are take no notice of me

 

[mark st1]

FWIW if I'm upgrading such things I like Ritchey WCS stuf for my finishing kit*

A fine choice there

@DoohDah what size is your bike mate ? I had issues with Boardman stems on my Large framed Comp the stem was too long was kindly lent one by V for Vengedetta (another story) and it made the world of difference for comfort on the hoods.

As @smokeysmoo says the Ritchey stuff is well made and reasonably priced IMO.

 

[DooDah]

Thanks again guys. It seems I have a 120mm stem and the angle seems minimal. What lengths do stems normally come in, I am prepared to take a punt on one online (they seem fairly cheap on the bay).

 

[DooDah]

Sorry Mark, I posted just as your post arrived. It is a 2012 Boardman Race Medium. I can't complain as I live in France so bought it from Wiggle based on my height, inside leg etc. I always expected I would need to tweak a little, kind of fun really .

 

[smokeysmoo]

What lengths do stems normally come in.

They come in 10mm increments. So you could get a 110, 100, 90 or 80mm one for example.

 

[Banjo]

Have you tried flipping the existing stem upside down? This will raise the angle and effectively shorten the reach a bit.

 

[mark st1]

Thanks again guys. It seems I have a 120mm stem and the angle seems minimal. What lengths do stems normally come in, I am prepared to take a punt on one online (they seem fairly cheap on the bay).

Thats whats i had on mine my arms were allways locked out on the hoods. I was leant a 100 mm stem and that made alot of difference. You could allways order a few different lengths from Wiggle and send the ones back that dont fit.

Or just buy a couple of dirt cheap ones of e-bay to find what suits you (sir) lol.

 

[Biker Joe]

[quote=". What lengths do stems normally come in, I am prepared to take a punt on one online (they seem fairly cheap on the bay).[/quote]
80 mm to 130 mm in 10 mm steps. Some manufacturers also do as low as 60 mm.
My favourites are Deda & Ritchie.
Ritchie also do a very reliable adjustable stem 80 mm, 100 mm & 120 mm lengths with up to 45 deg adjustable angle. I have one of these and get the best of both worlds.

 

[frayBentos59]

I suffered with terrible shoulder blade pain until I dropped from a 120 to a 110 stem. Its amazing what 10mm difference can make. I was fortunate having a LBS to assist tho.

 

[Kies]

Also take note of your handlebars. Are they normal or oversized? You will need a stem to match (obviously)

 

[DooDah]

Its amazing what 10mm difference can make. I was fortunate having a LBS to assist tho.

In all seriousness, thank you to all for your advice. I am away for a weekend in a few weeks so might find a decent bike shop to check sizing. I think I probably need a 100 or 110mm stem also, so maybe I will try to buy a cheap 100mm stem and see what happens. I will try to keep you all posted on progress.