06-25-2009, 03:31 AM
I'm considering an adjustable stem on my 56cm road bike because I want low and aggressive to go fast at times but I want to change sometimes for a more upright and casual ride with the grandkids. I was wondering about the length of an adjustable stem. I've seen 80 mm and 150 mm lengths and everything in between. I'm unsure what to get.
Adjusting the stem upward would in effect shorten my reach for an upright ride, right?. Conversely lowering the stem would make my reach longer giving me a more aggressive posture. I'm thinking that because I have short legs and arms compared to a long torso I might be better off with a shorter stem length where as a longer one might possibly be too much for my short arms. Is my understanding of the principle correct?
Adjusting the stem upward would in effect shorten my reach for an upright ride, right?. Conversely lowering the stem would make my reach longer giving me a more aggressive posture. I'm thinking that because I have short legs and arms compared to a long torso I might be better off with a shorter stem length where as a longer one might possibly be too much for my short arms. Is my understanding of the principle correct?