What brand is this handlebar stem?

Asked by: Roberta Strinden

How do you tell what size stem you have?

It’s fairly easy to measure with a ruler or tape measure. It’s usually a discrete number of tens of millimetres (so 80mm, 90mm, 100mm), although really short stems can be 35mm long. Helpfully, a stem’s length is often printed on it, often with additional information such as the rise and handlebar clamp diameter.

Are bicycle stems universal?

Stems are available to fit a range of steerer tube sizes with 1 1/8” being by far the most common on both MTB and road bikes. However some models are also available for older bikes with 1” steerers (although a shim can also be used to make these fit standard stems) or for gravity bikes with 1.5” steerer tubes.

How do I know what stem length my road bike is?

Put simply, if you want a racy, aggressive and aerodynamic position, a longer stem will provide a more stretched out riding position. If comfort is your top priority, a shorter stem length will bring the bars closer to the saddle and put you in a more upright position, placing less strain on your back.

Are all bike stems the same?

The two main types of bike stems are “threadless” and “quill.” The type of stem required is determined by the headset and fork installed on your bicycle–either threaded or threadless (the vast majority of today’s forks use a threadless steerer tube).

Does a shorter stem affect handling?

Although the bike can feel more agile on a shorter stem, it does make the handling snappier. By snappier, you have to be a little more conscious of going around corners. It also means when you take your hands off the handlebars, it’s possible to lose control quicker if you hit a bump.

Are all bike stems the same diameter?

In recent years the “oversized” or 31.8mm stem clamp diameter has become the industry standard for both road and mountain handlebars. Older road handlebars commonly have a 26.0mm diameter, whereas older mountain bars usually have a 25.4mm diameter.

What are the different types of bicycle valve stems?

There are three types of valve stems on bicycles, Schrader, Presta and Woods (“Dunlop”).

How do I fit a new bike stem?

Quote from video: Place any spaces on top of the stem that you need and then put the top cap back in place and install the bolt this only needs to be finger tight at this point we'll come back to it. Later.

Can you flip a bike stem?

You can flip your road bike stem, either up or down. There is no correct stem angle, position, or length. It all depends on your body build and fit. If the current stem angle on your bike gives you no problem, then you should let it be that way.

Is 40mm stem too short?

Trail Bikes



The typical mountain biker should use a 40mm stem. This is the best size for trail riding. This length will put you in a neutral position on the bike that is good for both climbing and descending.

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.

Is 90mm too short for a road stem?

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.

How do I know if my stem is too short?

If the stem length is correct, the handlebars should completely hide the front hub. If you can see the hub in front of the handlebar, the stem is too short”.

Why do pro cyclists ride small frames?

So, why do pro cyclists ride small frames? Pro cyclists choose smaller frames to acquire a more aerodynamic position thanks to the lower head tube. Also, compact frames are more agile, easier to manipulate, and have a shorter wheelbase resulting in more stability when cornering.

How do I know if my bike stem is too long?

Quote from video: If you're riding seated with your hands on the tops of the bar with your hands relatively close to the stem. You should be able to tuck your elbows. In front of your torso. Without the pointy bits of

How do you measure a stem tube?

Quote from video: And measuring the distance between the bottom edge of the top cap flange. And the top edge of the sear. Take this measurement.

How do you measure the diameter of a handlebar stem?

If you don’t have callipers then you can use a simple measure tape. Just wrap around the bar at the point you want to attach the Oi to get the circumference size and then divide by pi (…. mmm) to get your diameter e.g. 99.9mm / 𝜋 = 31.8mm. If you have no tape, then use a piece of paper (or string).

What is stem diameter?

Stem diameter means the greatest thickness of the stem measured at the base.

How do I know what size quill stem I need?

Quill stems come in different steerer tube and handlebar sizes. It is wise to measure your components to ensure that you are installing or ordering the correct stem. The most common handlebar diameters are 22.2, 25.4, 26.0, 31.8 and 35.0mm. There are some outliers on some older bikes.

Should you grease quill stem?

Unless you want want of those circus bikes where your wheel goes in a different direction to the handlebars. A quill stem going in a steel steerer should be greased a little though. Simple rule: Grease anything where metal comes into contact with metal.

Does stem length affect bike handling?

‘A long stem length is effectively a longer steering lever arm, so will be less responsive but may feel more stable, particularly at high speed. ‘A short stem will be more responsive to steering inputs but potentially a little less stable.