Mountain Bike Handlebar Stem Length

Your stem and handlebars work together.

Mountain bike handlebar stem length.

A mountain bike stem forms a bridge between the steerer and the handlebars. Bontrager offers road and mountain bike stems in a variety of lengths and rises along with seatposts with a unique clamp design that makes them highly adjustable. Like handlebar width stem length plays a key factor in the bike s handling. The reach of your bike is governed by the top tube length saddle rail position and stem.

Handlebar reach and drop handlebar reach is the distance from the center of the stem connection to the bar and the furthest point in the drops. The stem s sole purpose is to clamp the handlebars to the steerer tube. A stem s stated length is not simply the length of the whole stem front to back. However the stem type materials and dimensions length of stem degree of rise play a pivotal role in how a bike fits and handles so it s.

Each stem has a rear clamping end that connects it to the steerer tube of the fork. See the pic below for how to measure it s a 70mm stem. This is ideal for downhill trail and enduro riders as. If a bicycle fitting expert recommends a stem without testing or trying a few lengths we strongly advise you gently recommend they use a sizing stem or find another fitter.

Stem length is measured from the middle of the headset stem cap bolt to the middle of the handlebar. Shorter stems allow a rider to more quickly turn the wheel enhancing the bike s handling characteristics and feel. Last but not least stem length is another key factor to consider when selecting your mountain bike handlebar width. And while this is certainly the most important function of this critical component bicycle stems also plays a crucial role in overall bike fit and handling which is determined by stem length and degrees of rise or if flipped upside down degrees of drop.

At first glance bicycle stems have a simple job. Securely attach your handlebars to your fork s steerer tube. Never assume your bike came stock with handlebars that fit you perfectly. As a general rule the wider the handlebar the shorter the stem should be.

A bike s stem performs a fundamentally simple job its basic purpose being to ensure the handlebars are securely clamped to the fork steerer. Most stems are available in different length and rise options and are manufactured with different materials using different processes. Max morgan in this mtb stem guide we are going to breakdown everything you should consider before buying a new stem for your mountain bike. Stem length is one of the most critical factors controlling how your bike handles.

If you re riding a small or extra small frame take a second look at your handlebar width. Mountain bike stems are available in a wide range of lengths with different rises and they are secured to. How to pick the right mountain bike stem mountain bike stem criteria 1 stem length. Ride with more confidence and comfort with the perfect stem and seatpost for the way you ride.

In many cases bikes come with wider bars than necessary to satisfy riders on larger frames.