Shorter Stem

[Sterlo]

Hi Guys,
Just over a year ago, I had an off on the bike and shattered my elbow. After surgery, I am now unable to fully straighten my left arm. I went out for my first ride in 14 months yesterday and even on a short ride, it felt uncomfortable due to the reach. I've had an idea to put a slightly shorter stem on so the reach is slightly less. I haven't measured it yet but I believe it's a 100mm at the moment and I thought of dropping it to a 70 or 80mm. My questions are firstly, do you think it will make any difference and secondly, how much does a shorter stem affect the handling? Thanks for any comments.

 

[cyberknight]

if you cant straighten your arm then yes a shorter stem will help , i broke my collar bone and since then i had to put a 10 mm shorter stem on for comfort .
There are some that say that sticking a shorter stem on affects handling but TBH i have ridden loads of bikes with varying stems and theres nothing that affects the handling enough that you dont automatically compensate for , on the road you mostly steer by leaning anyway

 

[figbat]

I shortened two road bikes from 100/110 to 70/80mm. Despite warnings of unrideable handling I barely noticed anything, but did notice the improved comfort. I sold one bike but still have the other, still shortened, still a lovely ride.

 

[GuyBoden]

Yes, I changed to 80mm stems about 3-4 years ago, as I've got older my back isn't as flexible.

No problem with steering, or I should say, not really noticeable when pootling around Cheshire.

 

[Sterlo]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I've just ordered an 80mm (my current one measures just over 100mm) so we'll see what difference it makes.

 

[Easytigers]

Hey there…had an accident in 2019 and had to have radial head replacement…meh…after a while and getting back on the bike , the reach of my right arm is about 5cm less. Shorter stem helped a lot

 

[T4tomo]

You might notice handing change if you went crazy short like 30-40mm. You won't just by putting a 70/80mm one on.

See also this tip for reach....
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/good-bike-fit-tip-for-reach-issues.274848/

 

[Lozz360]

If you are interested, GCN compared the handling on the same bike for different stems of 140mm, 110mm and 80mm.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B69I_uayeMA

 

[Sterlo]

If you are interested, GCN compared the handling on the same bike for different stems of 140mm, 110mm and 80mm.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B69I_uayeMA

I know that they're ex-pros and travel a lot faster but I didn't like their "twitchy" comments, especially as I've already ordered an 80mm. Hope I haven't wasted my money, guess I'll find out when it arrives and I try it first hand. Thanks again for all of your comments and advice, I'll report back as and when.

 

[Jody]

You might notice handing change if you went crazy short like 30-40mm. You won't just by putting a 70/80mm one on.

See also this tip for reach....
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/good-bike-fit-tip-for-reach-issues.274848/

Has anyone on here ridden a 40mm stem on a road bike? Wondering what it's like.

 

[GeekDadZoid]

I know that they're ex-pros and travel a lot faster but I didn't like their "twitchy" comments, especially as I've already ordered an 80mm. Hope I haven't wasted my money, guess I'll find out when it arrives and I try it first hand. Thanks again for all of your comments and advice, I'll report back as and when.

I run a 70mm on my Holdsworth and have no bother at all.

 

[Lozz360]

I know that they're ex-pros and travel a lot faster but I didn't like their "twitchy" comments, especially as I've already ordered an 80mm. Hope I haven't wasted my money, guess I'll find out when it arrives and I try it first hand. Thanks again for all of your comments and advice, I'll report back as and when.

I wouldn’t worry. Even if you do find the shorter stem twitchy at first, chances are you will get used it. Getting the right fit is more important IMHO.

 

[cyberknight]

and the pros are used to long low slammed aka slower steering

 

[Peter Salt]

Don't worry about it. Size/length doesn't matter - it's how you handle it

 

[Kajjal]

Running a much shorter stem like I do on my mountain bike means the steering is more responsive. For only a minor change in stem length the better riding position you need will far outweigh any change in handling normally.