How can I tell if my bike stem is too short or too long?

Question

Which signs will indicate that my bike stem is of an inappropriate length?

Answer 1

In case your bike stem length is relatively small, the results may include negative position which can lead to tiredness, reduced control and decrease of power. On the other hand, having a long stem will pull one’s seated position forward which may cause saddle soreness, or numbness as well as problems with operating brakes and gears. In an ideal case scenario, a rider’s arms should be able to move in close proximity to their body so their elbows remain below their jersey when grasping the handlebars too closely to the stem. If there is a space, or when both elbows touch, it can be necessary to change the stem length from the current value.

Comments

Makes good sense and sums it up around 5:10 > 6:58.
I'm starting with correcting my stem length so my bar's grip position is aligned with the fork tube. Then, I can easily tell where my Saddle needs adjusting.

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Perfect its when u dont see front hub.
In pro riders u see hub after bar. But its pro and agressive position

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To get the right stem length, start with your saddle! You must have the right setback to get the right the balance of upper torso weight on the bars. When you are pedaling with moderate effort, your hands should rest just lightly on the bar hoods. Too much pressure? Bring the saddle back and work on core strength.  Not enough power in seated climbs? Bring it forwards. Once you have got the right setback, choose the stem length that best accommodates a proper angle between the torso and the humerus (about 90 degrees) or one that just feels naturally comfortable.  If you do a lot of climbing out of the saddle, a longer stem will give you more leverage to pull on the bars; if you are just casually pedaling a flat course, or touring a shorter stem will give you a better upright position.

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I went from a 90 mm to a 120 mm stem. I have long arms. It was a huge improvement.

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I put a shorter MTB stem(65 vs 90) on my road bike, now my shoulder doesn't hurt after a ride.

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I got a bike fit recently. We started with cleats (moving them back a bit.) Next was the saddle, which went forward, up, and more level. Finally, the bars. Mine are narrow, which is perfect. The fitter wants me to rotate the levers higher, so I can get a more natural bend in the elbows while keeping the wrists neutral. Finally, I will go from a 110mm stem to 90mm. (It was between a 90 and 100, and I decided to get a 90 to really feel the difference. If it feels too cramped, 100 it is!)

Anyway, with my fitting process, the stem length was the final piece of the puzzle, not the first.

BTW, my stem is still on order. In the meantime, I’m riding with my hands back from the hoods. The cheapest and easiest way to try different positions is to fake it and position your hands where they would be with the new equipment. Easiest way to try before you buy.

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Since I've retired from racing, I've become less flexible over the last 5 years (that and the fact that I'm old now) For years, I rode a frame with a 58 top tube, and a 140mm stem (-6 degrees, I believe). To make things more comfortable, I changed over to a 130mm stem (much better)

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I had a 100mm stem on my Tarmac sl7 and experienced saddle soreness. My bike fitter shortened the stem to 80mm and that helped with my saddle being more comfortable. My new bike (long story) also had a 100mm stem and I felt stretched out with my arms almost locked out to have my hands securely around the hoods. So I changed the stem to an 80mm and my saddle is a little more uncomfortable than it was with the 100mm. Should I move the saddle back a smidge? Thanks for the great content

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I have a real Frankenstein’s monster of a bike fit. I am 173cm tall with a 182 wingspan and I have a Specialized Allez in a size 56. The Allez has a very tall head tube, especially in a size 56. When I got the bike, it was just too big for me. It’s taken me a year of tinkering but I’ve finally dialled in the perfect fit- and it was all in the stem! I’ve completely slammed it, beyond even factory limitations, as I’ve fit a 5mm headset washer and I’ve taken the stem it’s self down in length to 90mm (from the original 100) and also down to a 12 degree drop (down from 6). The bike now fits like a dream and the position it puts me in, is more akin to a full on race bike, than an endurance bike. (I’ve also narrowed the handlebars by 20mm)

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What about when your knees hitting your arms while in the drops to short or just right