Mountain Bike Stem Length And Handling

Each stem has a rear clamping end that connects it to the steerer tube of the fork.

Mountain bike stem length and handling.

For mountain bike riders bike stem length effects fit but also plays a significant role in how a bike handles. The reach of your bike is governed by the top tube length saddle rail position and stem length angle. When it comes to mountain bikes there are many components that split opinion and stem length is definitely one of them. A mountain bike stem forms a bridge between the steerer and the handlebars.

Shorter stems allow for quicker handling and are preferred by many downhill riders whereas cross country riders enjoy longer stems for their superior climbing performance. The best average stem length for modern mountain bikes falls between 50 mm and 80 mm. You can find that article here. As a general rule the wider the handlebar the shorter the stem should be.

Shorter stems roughly 60mm or less will deliver quicker and more responsive handling which is why they re the preferred choice for slacker trail and enduro bikes. However stem length plays a large role in how a bike actually handles. A longer toptube and the resulting wheelbase usually equates to a more stable handling bike anyway. Road riders like to choose stem length depends on overall bike fit and position for off road riders.

As the bikes get more aggressive the fit and handling characteristics become more important than a more efficient pedaling position. A critical question if selecting a stem in what length it may be. Moreover the length of the stalk is critical at the time of fixing how the bike handles. Mountain bike stems are available in a wide range of lengths with different rises and they are secured to.

I m a firm believer in the merits of a 50mm stems on any bike. It must also address the rider s comfort biomechanics performance needs and the steering and handling of the bike. Like handlebar width stem length plays a key factor in the bike s handling. For today s modern trail bikes and big mountain capable enduro machines most of the stems you will find are 50 70mm in length and will use either a 0 or 6 rise.

Because this is such an important topic i wrote an entire article on the specifics of stem length and how it affects handling.