How do I know what size stem I need for my bike?

Know the length by measuring from the middle bolt of the bike’s headset top to the center of the handlebar. Ensure that you measured the length in centimeters or millimeters. A bike stem length usually runs in 10 mm increments and starts from 70 mm to 140 mm.

Are there different size quill stems?

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.

Do all stems fit all bikes?

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.

Is 60mm stem too short for road bike?

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.

Is 100mm stem too long?

The sweet spot is generally accepted as being 100mm to 120mm, but not everyone agrees. ‘It’s a bit of a cliché that a too-short stem will over-quicken the handling. It’s only true to a point,’ says Phil Cavell, director of Cyclefit in London.

Are bicycle stems universal?

Yes, bike stems are universal. Where they connect to the handlebars is almost always the same width. Where it connects to the fork steering rod is the same width. So there is around a 95% chance that a bike stem will fit your bike.

Are all bike stems the same diameter?

Most newer bikes come with a steerer tube diameter of 1 and 1/8 in. Some mountain bikes come with 1.5 in. steerer tube and older bikes usually accommodate a 1 in steerer tube diameter only.

Is shorter stem better for jumping?

The shorter stem definitely gives the bike a more responsive feel on the trail, and is well suited to aggressive riding. When jumping the bike or hitting drops, a shorter stem puts you in a better position to confidently hit these sort of features (that often have painful consequences if we don’t ride them well).

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.

What is the shortest stem for a road bike?

As a rule of thumb, on a road bike you shouldn’t run a stem much shorter than 90mm or much longer than 130mm. If you need a stem length beyond those extremes, your bike frame is the wrong size.