Bar stem and frame size

Jee Doy said:

What is the realtionship between bar stem and frame size? If I am 5'-7" and am
using a 54 cm frame, it might be on the large side of what I can use but if I
try to compensate with a smaller stem, will it work? Or will the geometry
eventually work against me? I mean the geometry of the frame is the constant,
and I am the variable. But the job it seems to me is to harmonize the constant
with the variable with minor tweaks.

Maybe.

It sounds like you feel too stetched out on the bike. In that case, try
a smaller stem. Normally, bike fit begins with setting the saddle position
(height, fore/aft, and tilt), and then moves to handlebar/stem
adjustments. There's no magic formula that's right for everyone. Fit
depends in part on your flexibility and type of riding.

Some obvious questions are: What's the drop from the top of the saddle to
the top of the bars? What is the horizontal stem extention? What is the
top tube length? What don't you like about your current fit?

It's always best to buy a bike that fits you rather than trying to force
it to fit. The information you provide (5'7" and a 54cm frame) doesn't
help much. "Frame size" can be measured at least three different ways.
What's more is the seat tube length ("frame size"😉 isn't the most
important criteria in selecting a bike. Top tube length, BB height, and
seat/head angles are all important. And a persons height only gives a clue
as to frame requirements. Actual leg, arm, and torso size are a better
guide.

Art Harris

<< What is the realtionship between bar stem and frame size? If I am 5'-7" and
am
using a 54 cm frame, it might be on the large side of what I can use but if I
try to compensate with a smaller stem, will it work? Or will the geometry
eventually work against me? >>

Assuming that you can position the saddle where it should be, a stem between
10cm and 12cm should work fine. If you need to go shorter than 10cm, that frame
is probably too big for you, IMO.

JeeDoy asks-<< What is the realtionship between bar stem and frame size? If I
am 5'-7" and am
using a 54 cm frame, it might be on the large side of what I can use but if I
try to compensate with a smaller stem, will it work? >><BR><BR>

I answer-what most people don't consider is making sure the knee is in the
proper position, via knee over pedal spindle, and leg bend is proper FIRST.
Then a determination of proper top tube length and stem length is possible. If
your hips/knees are not proper, the second 1/2 of the equation is not possible.

Peter Chisholm
Vecchio's Bicicletteria
1833 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO, 80302
(303)440-3535
http://www.vecchios.com
"Ruote convenzionali costruite eccezionalmente bene"