How to choose your road bike stem?

How to choose your road bike stem?

The stem is the component that connects the handlebar to the rest of your bike; it therefore determines your position on the bike and your riding feel. The choice of this component should not be taken lightly — here are a few tips.

Standards

  • Fork steerer diameter: 1" threaded, 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
  • The angle: 6; 10; 17; 20; adjustable...

Types of stems

Two points are directly dependent on the rest of your equipment: the stem mounting diameter on the fork steerer, which can be 1" threaded, 1"1/8 or 1"1/4; and the handlebar clamp, which can be the standard 26; 31.8 or, less commonly, 35 mm.

Stem length is one of the two characteristics you can choose. The average across all road cycling disciplines is 110 mm. In addition to lengthening your position on the bike, a longer stem will also affect the steering, making it more stable but less responsive. Conversely, if you choose a shorter stem to shorten your position, the steering will become more nervous but less stable when riding.

The second parameter you can choose is the stem angle. This is the angle between the stem axis and the perpendicular to the fork steerer. The average across all road cycling disciplines is 6°. The angle of a stem only affects your position on the bike: the greater the angle, the higher your cockpit will be, meaning you will be more upright and further back on your bike; conversely, a lower stem will tend to stretch you out and improve aerodynamics. Note that some stems are reversible, allowing you to have either an upward or a downward angle.

Which stem to choose?

The average for road cycling is a 110 mm stem with a 6° angle, but these values can vary depending on your road cycling discipline, your position on the bike and, of course, your body shape.

Integrated stem handlebars are also available. These provide a better grip, particularly when climbing, as well as superior rigidity compared to a traditional handlebar and stem setup. However, they do have one drawback: it is not possible to adjust the tilt angle of the handlebar or the position of the handlebar relative to the stem.

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