Effects of longer and higher stem on rider position/comfort and handling
5 min read
Asked by: Art Butler
How does a longer stem affect bike handling?
Stem length is one of a number of factors, along with head tube angle and fork rake, that affects a bike’s handling. Generally speaking, a shorter stem will result in faster handling, while a longer stem will result in slower, more predictable handling.
How does a longer stem affect steering?
A shorter stem will result in snappier steering, a longer stem will produce slower steering. Adjusting the stem length can be used to tailor the handling. That’s generally why cyclocross races use a shorter stem, and long distance road cyclists opt for a longer stem.
How does stem length affect mountain bike handling?
Using a shorter stem gives the bike quicker handling characteristics and a more responsive feel. A longer stem shifts your body weight towards the front of the bike and puts you in a better pedaling position, especially on those steep climbs.
Does stem angle affect handling?
Yes. Handling is not just affected by the height of the bars. It also matters how that height level has been achieved. The more sticky-up a stem the more direct and ‘nervouus’ the handling, while a stem pointing down will give more controlled handling.
What helps a bike have better handling?
Improving Bike Handling Skills
- Climbing better. I’ve written a column on climbing like the pros.
- Pedaling technique. …
- Cornering safely. …
- Cornering quickly. …
- Braking safely on descents. …
- Panic stops. …
- Balance at slow speeds. …
- Riding a straight line.
How does handlebar height affect handling?
When climbing with your handlebars too high, it is hard to hinge forward enough to keep the front wheel on the ground on steep climbs, even when you have slid your weight all the way forward on the saddle.
What difference does a shorter stem make?
Shorter stems correctly orientate a rider’s forward-leaning weight directly over the front axle, which has a range of benefits by mass-pressuring the wheel when descending. The result is truer steering response and better tyre grip in dusty or muddy terrain.
Does stem length affect reach?
Stem length, orientation and height all influence comfort, bike handling and aerodynamics. A shorter stem implies a more responsive bike as well as less input from the rider needed to initiate turns. When seated, a longer stem helps lengthen the rider reach, putting the upper body in a lower more aerodynamics position.
What causes high steering effort?
Uneven tire wear or improper inflations – Tires are the root cause of many steering problems. Unequal tire pressure between the left and right sides of a vehicle can lead to road wander or the need for higher or greater steering effort when turning, but in just one direction.
Does a longer stem on MTB give more control?
Quote from video: Slightly. More aerodynamic as well but actually the main reason for a longer stem is for rising up steep climbs. It's going to keep some weight on that front tire.
How Does height affect cycling performance?
The relatively low body mass for better climbing, high surface area for better cooling, low frontal profile for lesser drag, yet long legs for generating power, all play to the cyclist’s advantage. The very tallest riders in cycling must abide by such proportions to the extreme.
Is short stem good for MTB?
Reducing the length of a mountain bike’s cockpit by fitting a shorter stem remains one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve its handling. A stubby stem isn’t for everyone, but it can be a good upgrade for those looking for a little extra on the descents.
What affects bike handling?
It’s affected by three factors: wheel size, head angle and fork offset. The slacker the head angle, the shorter the offset or the bigger the wheel size, the more trail. Generally speaking, the more trail, the more stable the steering.
How can I improve my bike stability?
Quote from video: Straight forward then keep the steering straight as well. You do need to see further around. Then you need to take one hand off the bars. Making. Sure there's enough space in front of you to do it.
How can you keep your bicycle in a good position?
Here are ten top tips to keep your bike in tip top shape:
- Keep it clean. …
- Keep your tyres inflated properly. …
- Check your brake pads. …
- Silence squeaky brakes. …
- Tighten saggy brakes. …
- Get a professional service. …
- Lubrication, lubrication, lubrication. …
- Check if your wheel is “true”
How do I know if my bike stem is too long?
Quote from video: In front of your torso. Without the pointy bits of your elbows. Touching your jersey. Front if they do touch you're probably a bit closer to the bar. And might need to add some stem length. If there's
Does a longer stem on MTB give more control?
Quote from video: Slightly. More aerodynamic as well but actually the main reason for a longer stem is for rising up steep climbs. It's going to keep some weight on that front tire.
Is a shorter bike stem better?
Shorter stems correctly orientate a rider’s forward-leaning weight directly over the front axle, which has a range of benefits by mass-pressuring the wheel when descending. The result is truer steering response and better tyre grip in dusty or muddy terrain.
Is 130mm stem too long?
To put a (rough) number to it, a long stem is 100-120mm, very long stems are 130mm or more, and anything less than 90mm can be considered a short stem. When viewed in the context of the entire bike, the influence of stem length is relatively minor.
Will 10mm shorter stem make a difference?
‘Even a 10mm change in stem length can make a huge difference,’ says Jez Loftus, bike fit specialist for Trek. ‘Also be aware no single adjustment is mutually exclusive.
How do you determine the best stem length?
Quote from video: So I now use a 1 10 mil step but if did feel good nevertheless going back onto a longer stem should you go and buy a longer stem then to mimic these results I don't think you should give him the