Stem Length - How much difference?

Triathlon Forum
1

Playing with my position a little and my hands have always felt cramped no matter how far up or back my seat is. So I’m thinking about trying out a litlte bit larger stem (I think this could allow me to move my seat forward a bit to gain some more power?). My stock stem (vision sizemore) is a 90mm so I’m wondering how much to bump up? I see a 90, 100, 110, and 120mm order options. Just how much difference is there between all of those (other than the ST smart ass 10mm answer). Is 90 to 110 a good jump to make and try out?

I could really benefit from a good fit probably, but there is no where in town that I trust to put me in a better position than I’m in now.

Thanks for the help!

2

Way too many factors to answer, but I’ll assume a size M frame (or 54-56cm). If so, 90-110 is a pretty normal range for stem length. I prefer as long a stem as fits since a tri bike handles a little “twitchy” anyway with your weight that far forward, and a longer stem helps. But, too long, and you close down your hip angle, loosing power.

That said, I have a 100mm, 26.0 clamp size Vision Sizemore stem almost new I’ve been meaning to ebay :wink:

3

I set myself up on my tri bike and then later spent the the bucks for a pro fit. All I was told to do was go to a 1 cm shorter stem. At the time my aero bars were non adjustable. Did I notice a difference. Would have to say not really. However on my road bike I have noticed a difference on high speed descents with different handling characteristics between say a 90 and a 110. The 90 is twitchier.

From your description you could have a short effective top tube. What I’d suggest is pick up a 100/110/120 stem to go with your 90 and play with them to see what feels the best. You can buy/sell on ebay so in the end it’ll be a break even.

4

Your goal should be that the angle between your upper body and upper arm (humerus) is 90 degrees.

The common mistake is to have this angle larger - this will lead to shoulder and back pain - and an inability to finish your bike leg in the TT bars.

Solution is a set back stem, or moving the aerobar pads back

Nat

5

Way too many factors to answer, but I’ll assume a size M frame (or 54-56cm). If so, 90-110 is a pretty normal range for stem length. I prefer as long a stem as fits since a tri bike handles a little “twitchy” anyway with your weight that far forward, and a longer stem helps. But, too long, and you close down your hip angle, loosing power.

That said, I have a 100mm, 26.0 clamp size Vision Sizemore stem almost new I’ve been meaning to ebay :wink:

I’m riding a 56cm P2C. I’m assuming that the 26.0 is pretty standard? How much you want to let the 100mm go for? PM me