Long Stem vs Short Stem - What your choice?

What other differences have you found, switching between stems.

I switch between a 40mm and 90mm on My experimental DJ SS/ HT bike.

Quote: Sort stems provide nippier steering. Longer stems more sluggish steering. Shot is tasty and agile - Long is more stable at speed.

 

On a DJ...short stem all the way. You'll find the longer stems on XC bikes to get you over the bars more for those long climbs. Short stems for more aggressive riding' you'll be in a better attack position.

 

mmmm hmmm:beer: On my AM rig, im running a 70mm. For DJ, definitely shorten it up with something like an Azonic Beretta

 

Couldn't decide on my latest build (29er FS) between 70 or 90mm, so settled for 80mm. Rare size but it worked out just fine.

 

What is DJ?

 

"Disco Junk", and it's measured in feet not inches

Jump and Shuttle bikes are more responsive with minimal overhangs for easier weight transfer and work better with a more rearward center of gravity. For disciplines where you pedal arduous climbs comfort should be the priority, as such the rise of the bars and length of the stem ought to be proportionate to how the top tube fits your body.

Measure your arms.

 

DJ/ Urban Park Bikes Define:

Dirt Jumping (DJ) is one of the names given to the practice of riding bikes over shaped mounds of dirt or soil and becoming airborne. The idea is that after riding over the 'take off' the rider will become momentarily airborne, and aim to land on the 'landing'. Dirt jumping can be done on almost anything but the bikes are generally smaller and more maneuverable hardtails so that tricks e.g. backflips, are easier to complete. The bikes simpler so that when a crash occurs there are less components that are liable to dysfunction and cause the rider injury.

Urban/Street is essentially the same as urban BMX (or Freestyle BMX), in which riders perform tricks by riding on/over man made objects. The bikes are the same as those used for Dirt Jumping, having 24" or 26" wheels. Also, they are very light, many in the range of 25-30 lbs, and having 0-100 millimeters or front suspension. As with Dirt Jumping and Trials, style and execution are emphasized.

Example SS/HT/DJ:

 

I prefer shorter stems. My AM, XC and DH bikes all have short stems. Only because I have shorter arms.

 

I had a 100mm specialized stem on my bike for the longest time, since I put it together actually.

Two weeks ago I switched it out for a 50mm stem and it feels much more comfortable to me when going up hills and the steering does feel a little quicker/crisp.

Had I known stem length would make that much of a difference in fit/function I'd not have waited so long.

 

I've always ridden longer stems.

I'm not a DJ guy (at least on purpose) but I did find that once I got a frame built to fit my weird body proportions that I was able to shorten the stem. I found the bike more responsive and more stable now that I'm weighted over the rear tire correctly. Plus as an extra added bonus it more comfy to ride!

 

Here's a great article:

http://www.mbaction.com/ME2/dirmod.a...DCF2FFBD7EADF1

 

On my yeti 575, I switch from a 90mm stem to a 70mm stem, this change how the bike handle considerably.

1. It was harder to climb.
2. The bike lifted easy on the front.
3. The steering was sharp, not very smooth.
4. The riding area felt cramp.
5. The front tire wash out easy on flat turns.
6. Jumping was unstable, lost stability.
7. I felt I was siting upright more with my weight distribution more toward the front.

I when back to the 90mm with one minor adjustment, I push the seat backward, this distribute my weight more toward the center of bike.

This is the opposite from my HT/ SS/ DJ Frame, shorter stem, 40mm works better for the Transition Trail or Park Frame.

 

Long ETT short stem

I usually have to size up to get the ETT right.

 

70mm stem on 29er FS...makes turning crisp and doesnt make me feel like I am hanging out over the front tire. If the front starts to catch air on climbs i just tuck my elbows down and it brings the front end down...wont ever go back to a long stem

 

I always rock short stems....50mm or less. I don't like the way that longer ones feel.

 

I run a 65mm Sunline V-One Stem on my Nomad and I love it. I really only climb and pedal when I really have to, otherwise I ride mostly downhill type of stuff (Noble and La Costa mostly). Try picking something in between your 40 and 90 and start from there.

 

A couple other articles on stem length.

http://www.leelikesbikes.com/pros-and-cons-of-a-shorter-stem.html

http://www.leelikesbikes.com/stem-lengthrise-for-a-trail-bike.html

 

Both of the articles are very helpful... More then anything, experience and experiment with difference stems can be of benefit. I find short stem work best for bike design for jumping and longer stem work better for me for the AM Bike.

 

prefer the short stem on both my full susonsion kona and ht specialized

 

Short arms = Short Stem for me... I literally can't extend my elbows all the way. But I like short stems they seem like less to break.