Stem advise

[stevenb]

I'm looking to buy a new stem.
My current stem is 100mm 7degree +-.
I want a shorter stem as a feel stretched out and don't want to bring the saddle forward more than it currently is.

So I'm looking for a 90mm as I think that 10mm will make the neccessary difference.
Thing is. I can't find a 7 degree +- one.
I can see a 6 degree +- and an 8 degree +-.

Will 1 degree make any difference?
My current stem is upside down as in the 7 degees is downwards and not upwards.
I suppose if anything an 8 degree +- would do....as long it's 90mm.
Plus I have 31.8mm bars and the usual 1,1/8 steerer tube.

I need it to be light and strong too.
Not asking too much am I?

 

[stevenb]

Well....I've bloomin gone and done it.
I just ordered this:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=12655
reduced to a silly price.
And because my existing stem has a 40mm stack height and I'm using 3 x 5mm spacers I thought I'd treat myself to this 20mm spacer too:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4037
Will look nicey nice I'm sure.
Was going to get a fancy colour but thought against it.
Cheap as chips. had to be done.
I've just got save the money I've spent elsewhere until I get paid again.

 

[mickle]

I use a version of that stem. Tidy. Great price too.

 

[02GF74]

a rough rule of thumb for sizing.

place your elbow against the nose of your saddle and the tips of you fingers should be where the handle bar is.

obvioulsy you can makde adjustements to this accroding to your preferecne.

 

[stevenb]

Not herad that before.
I have about another 2.5 inches between my finger tips and the handle bar by doing that....but I have shortish arms I suppose.
Having fitted the shorter stem it already feels so much more comfy....despite being only 10mm shorter.
That should help no end.

 

[toontra]

Not herad that before.
I have about another 2.5 inches between my finger tips and the handle bar by doing that....but I have shortish arms I suppose.

I also have a gap of a couple of inches. I think my arms are fairly regular in length. Is my setup wrong?

 

[Steve Austin]

a rough rule of thumb for sizing.

place your elbow against the nose of your saddle and the tips of you fingers should be where the handle bar is.

obvioulsy you can makde adjustements to this accroding to your preferecne.

THAT IS VERY WRONG!!.

there is a way of measuring similar to what you say, but if you can touch the bar whilst your elbow is on the saddle tip, your bike is way too small.

 

[Steve Austin]

I think the method that 02GF74 is describing is one where you put your elbow on saddle tip, then place your other hand so that it adds a width of that hand to the overall measure. theory goes that this is where the handlebar should be. It may work for you, but ime its too random and can't be applied to all bikes.
My mtb works perfectly for this method.
My roadbike is longer
My crossbike also longer

this method takes no account for saddle length, or seat layback. its just not very accurate.

 

[stevenb]

Thought it was a bit wrong..
However...I did need a new stem as I was stretchin too far.
Now I have 2.5 inches between my fingers tips and handlebar.
I feel more comfy with it.
I'd love to to be able a top spec road bike built to my exact measurements.....but can't afford it this year for sure.

 

[Dave5N]

T