Is a short stem bad?

"Mervjax" <[email hidden]> wrote in news😄CDcb.6686$oa4.911 @twister.nyroc.rr.com:

Quoted message said:

But I wonder if there are any bad side effects from using such a short stem? This is my
first bike.

Use what fits you best. A real short stem can make steering sluggish, but if you have to decide if
that's a problem.

Mervjax' may have said:

When I bought my road bike I had a fitting session, and got a 10cm stem. Even after a season of
riding, I felt too low and stretched out, so I replaced it with a tall 8cm Nitto stem. Much more
comfortable.

But I wonder if there are any bad side effects from using such a short stem? This is my first bike.

If it feels good, ride it. If it doesn't, change to what does. Unless you're involved in competitive
racing, there's no reason to put up with an unpleasant ride.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail. Yes, I have a killfile. If I
don't respond to something, it's also possible that I'm busy.

Ken said:

"Mervjax" <[email hidden]> wrote in news😄CDcb.6686$oa4.911 @twister.nyroc.rr.com:

Quoted message said:

But I wonder if there are any bad side effects from using such a short stem? This is my
first bike.

Not if it's comfortable. Sometimes too upright can be just as uncomfortable as too stretched
out, though.

Quoted message said:

A real short stem can make steering sluggish

I disagree. Long-extension stems make steering slow, short stems quick.

~PB

From: Bruni <[email hidden]> To: Werehatrack <[email hidden]> Subject: Re: Is a short
stem bad? Date: Thursday, September 25, 2003 2:41 PM

I purposely build frames to use short stems, my current 57 ST 60TT frame uses a70mm stem. For
anything but the peloton, the advantages of long wheelbase for a given fit are comfort, stability,
and less weight transfer upon braking. Enjoy, Tom Bruni Bicycles "Where art meets science"
brunibicycles.com
410.426.3420 ----- Original Message ----- From: Werehatrack <[email hidden]>
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 12:13 PM Subject: Re: Is a
short stem bad?

Quoted message said:

Mervjax' may have said:

When I bought my road bike I had a fitting session, and got a 10cm stem. Even after a season of
riding, I felt too low and stretched out, so I replaced it with a tall 8cm Nitto stem. Much more
comfortable.

But I wonder if there are any bad side effects from using such a short stem? This is my
first bike.

If it feels good, ride it. If it doesn't, change to what does. Unless you're involved in
competitive racing, there's no reason to put up with an unpleasant ride.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail. Yes, I have a killfile. If I
don't respond to something, it's also possible that I'm busy.

--
Bruni Bicycles "Where art meets science" brunibicycles.com
410.427.3420 Werehatrack <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Mervjax' may have said:

When I bought my road bike I had a fitting session, and got a 10cm stem. Even after a season of
riding, I felt too low and stretched out, so I replaced it with a tall 8cm Nitto stem. Much more
comfortable.

But I wonder if there are any bad side effects from using such a short stem? This is my
first bike.

If it feels good, ride it. If it doesn't, change to what does. Unless you're involved in
competitive racing, there's no reason to put up with an unpleasant ride.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail. Yes, I have a killfile. If I
don't respond to something, it's also possible that I'm busy.

Ken said:

"Mervjax" <[email hidden]> wrote in news😄CDcb.6686$oa4.911 @twister.nyroc.rr.com:

Quoted message said:

But I wonder if there are any bad side effects from using such a short stem? This is my
first bike.

Use what fits you best. A real short stem can make steering sluggish, but if you have to decide if
that's a problem.

This doesn't make sense. Shortening the stem moves the hands closer to the pivot point (center of
stem). This means less hand movement for a given movement of the wheel. How does this equate to
sluggish steering?

jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net home.earthlink.net~jeverett3Open ↗

Bruni' may have said:

From: Bruni <[email hidden]> To: Werehatrack <[email hidden]> Subject: Re: Is a
short stem bad? Date: Thursday, September 25, 2003 2:41 PM

I purposely build frames to use short stems, my current 57 ST 60TT frame uses a70mm stem. For
anything but the peloton, the advantages of long wheelbase for a given fit are comfort, stability,
and less weight transfer upon braking.

Sounds like you've put the kind of thought into the product that I'd appreciate. I'll keep that in
mind when I get to the point where the budget will permit the expense.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail. Yes, I have a killfile. If I
don't respond to something, it's also possible that I'm busy.

Maybe a question of leverage, i.e., a longer stem (up to a point) might provide more movement for a
smaller turn, but then again, I am no physicist!!

"John Everett" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:

Ken said:

"Mervjax" <[email hidden]> wrote in news😄CDcb.6686$oa4.911 @twister.nyroc.rr.com:

Quoted message said:

But I wonder if there are any bad side effects from using such a short stem? This is my first
bike.

Use what fits you best. A real short stem can make steering sluggish,

but if

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you have to decide if that's a problem.

This doesn't make sense. Shortening the stem moves the hands closer to the pivot point (center of
stem). This means less hand movement for a given movement of the wheel. How does this equate to
sluggish steering?

jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net home.earthlink.net~jeverett3Open ↗

basjan said:

Maybe a question of leverage

It is.

Quoted message said:

, i.e., a longer stem (up to a point) might provide more movement for a smaller turn

Wong way round. A larger turn of the handlebars is required to provide the same movement.

~PB