How to choose your road bike stem?

How to choose your road bike stem?

The stemis the part that connects the handlebars and the rest of your bike, so it determines your riding position and feel. The choice of this component is not to be taken lightly, so here are a few tips.

Standards

  • Fork steerer tube diameter: 1" plunger, 1"1/8 or 1"1/4
  • Handlebar diameter: 26; 31.8 or 35 mm
  • Length: 60; 70; 80; 90; 100; 110; 120; 130 mm
  • Angle: 6; 10; 17; 20; adjustable...

Types of jibs

Two points are directly dependent on the rest of your equipment: the diameter of the stem mounting on the fork steerer tube which may be 1" with plunger, 1"1/8 or 1"1/4; and the handlebar mounting which can be standard 26; 31.8 or, more rarely, 35 mm.

Stem length is one of the two characteristics you can choose. The average stem length for all road bike disciplines is 110 mm. In addition to lengthening your position on the bike, a longer stem will also have an impact on the steering, making it more stable but less responsive. Conversely, if you use a shorter stem to shorten your position, the steering will be more responsive but less stable.

The second datum you can choose from is stem inclination. This is the angle between the stem axis and the perpendicular to the fork steerer tube. The average for all road bike disciplines is 6°. A stem's inclination only has an impact on your position on the bike: the greater the angle, the higher your riding position will be, so you'll be more upright and further back on your bike; conversely, a lower stem will tend to lay you back and improve aerodynamics. Some stems are reversible, so you can have either an upward or a downward angle.

Which stem to choose?

The average road bike stem is 110 mm with a 6° angle, but this may vary according to your riding style, your position on the bike and, of course, your body type.

We also offer handlebars with integrated stems. These provide a better grip, especially when climbing, and greater rigidity than conventional handlebar and stem assemblies. They do, however, have one disadvantage: you can't adjust the angle of the handlebars or their position in relation to the stem.

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