Stem length

[Bigred123]

Will 5 mm in stem length make much difference , looking to upgrade my stem which is 30mm but not much about in 30mm.

 

[irie]

Will 5 mm in stem length make much difference , looking to upgrade my stem which is 30mm but not much about in 30mm.

What do you hope to achieve by changing from a 30mm stem to a 25mm or 30mm stem?

 

[Bigred123]

I don’t really hope to achieve anything just looking to upgrade my stem, and buy carbon bars, but most of the stems are 35mm, mine is a 30mm

 

[irie]

I don’t really hope to achieve anything just looking to upgrade my stem, and buy carbon bars, but most of the stems are 35mm, mine is a 30mm

What stem do you currently have and what do you not like about it? I have a DMR Defy35 31.8 35mm stem which I can not fault.

The Gusset Components S2 AM Stem 31.8mm is 30mm. I have a used one in undamaged excellent condition if you're interested? (was a little too short with my PNW Carbon Loam bars).

 

[whitymon]

Might not make a bit difference but it also depend on your body position preference but also the bike. You could like it more / less / no difference.

Fwiw some people really like matching the stem length with fork offset for better handling.

I honestly think that unless you are a pro you will not feel the 5mm difference unless the reach is already at max for you.

You could buy a cheap Chinese stem in 35mm to see before buying a carbon one if you really fear the change. That will serve on all future bike too.

 

[Bigred123]

Never thought of that, might give it a try

 

[Tone461]

I went from a 50mm to a 60mm and it felt good straight away. There are way to many folks on here who get too wrapped up in the geo numbers before making a change. Just try it. Maybe just ride up the road a bit before checking out the structural integrity of that ebay stem though

 

[Stihldog]

My Trek Rail originally came with a Bontrager 60mm stem and alloy bars. At least a dozen rides before I decided to make a change. I wanted a shorter stem and carbon bar, but I wanted the GoPro/ light attachment on the stem.

Bontrager had the 45mm stem for a OneUp carbon bar and an attachment system for night light, GoPro or phone. The only colour choice was black. Perfect .

A15mm difference in geometry reach was instantly noticeable. The shorter stem gave me a better down hill position…my new body position was different for climbing though, which was not as critical even though I love climbing.

 

[irie]

... There are way to many folks on here who get too wrapped up in the geo numbers before making a change ...

Pas moi. I only go by feel. Might be ugly but downhill it's the bollox. On the flat who cares. Uphill use the motor. Rocket science. Not.

 

[Chicane]

Will 5 mm in stem length make much difference , looking to upgrade my stem which is 30mm but not much about in 30mm.

Enter your numbers in this chart to give you an idea and help you see the difference from changing stem length and or spacer height.

Stem Comparison Tool | yojimg.net

yojimg.net

 

[John_likes_bikes]

You'll never notive a difference in a singular 5mm change. If you change bars that are a different rise, that plus the 5mm might add up.

 

[Stormy 107]

30 to 35mm won't make much difference. Try Renthal apex 35 it's comes in at 33mm length. I ride 33mm on ebike and 40mm on acoustic bike. Eb is a RMB powerplay instinct and hb is RMB INSTINCT so almost identical in geo and I don't notice anything.

 

[steve_sordy]

@Bigred123 In theory it will make the steering less responsive, but whether you will notice is up to you.
It will also make the reach longer. You will be a tiny bit more stretched out and the angle of your bollocks to the saddle will reduce. But again, whether you will notice will depend upon you.

 

[Bestak CZ]

Hi, sorry, but I think that it is a complete waste of time to address the importance of changing the geometry by extending the stem by 5mm. And time is precious!

 

[BostonDye]

A stem shouldn’t be used for bike fit… IMO it’s for altering the handling characteristics. Shorter stems will understeer and the longer the stem will oversteer. If you’re a moderately fast rider you will absolutely feel 5mm. Matching the fork offset will give the most neutral steering feel. If you ride tighter more technical trails then you should try a longer stem. Shorter stems require more bike lean angle and typically don’t like tighter corners. You will end up taking wide lines and have less front tire grip.

 

[darwink1]

Will 5 mm in stem length make much difference , looking to upgrade my stem which is 30mm but not much about in 30mm.

Are you talking bar diameter or stem length?

D

 

[irie]

Are you talking bar diameter or stem length?

D

I have never seen a 30mm diameter bar.

 

[Stihldog]

31.8mm diameter for alloy bars. 35mm diameter for carbon bars. (Typical)

Regardless, I use carbon assembly paste for a correct torque.

 

[Bigred123]

It was length of stem, ended up going for raceface 32mm length do not a great deal difference to original one and a nice hope carbon bars