Most bar clamps are 4-bolt pattern which as well as being stiffer also helps spread out the pressure of the clamp across a greater area on the bar, which is something that carbon bar users will appreciate. Material There’s no hard and fast rule for choosing a stem, it’s mainly whatever works best for you. Two identical riders with identical bikes may need a different stem so just make sure whatever you have works best for your needs. Racers will want the longest, lowest stem they can get away with and still be in control. This stretched out position will be better for aerodynamics. Some prefer light weight while some will sacrifice low weight for strength and rigidity, especially so for larger riders and sprinters. An adjustable stem is worthwhile if you want to be as upright and comfortable as possible. However, the adjustability comes with added weight, and an extreme upright position is appropriate for short distances only. For those riding thirty minutes or more, a slightly bent body position is advantageous for muscle function and wind resistance. Cost of Stems

Old-school bikes had a quill stem. This was an inverted L-shape, with the shaft of the stem slotting down into the top of the fork’s steerer tube, and secured by an expander bolt with an (in most cases) Allen key head at its top. As a rule of thumb, on a road bike you shouldn’t run a stem much shorter than 90mm or much longer than 130mm. If you need a stem length beyond those extremes, your bike frame is the wrong size. Sorry! RiseThe major determinants for stem cost are weight, stiffness and type of material used. Mountain bike stems are normally more robust and less concerned about weight than road stems. Stems are composed of steel, aluminum, carbon fiber or titanium. Aluminum is the most widely used material. Steel stems are cheaper but heavier, while carbon and titanium stems are lighter but more expensive. Along with saving weight, carbon fiber also helps to dampen road vibrations. If you are an experienced racer, most likely you have been through a bike fit process and know the length of the stem you need. Mountain bike stems are typically around 50-80mm long, while road bike stems are longer, starting at around 80mm and extending to 120mm or longer as the frame size increases. Gravel bike stems typically sit somewhere between the two. Some bike manufacturers produce larger diameter fork steerer stems but these are quite rare and also clearly labelled.

If you are a regular rider, you may appreciate a neutral position with a slight rise in stem. Around 6 to 7 degrees of stem rise and a stem length that complements your position would suit you the best. Don’t forget that you can also probably raise and lower your stem by moving the spacers around on the fork steerer. Often all it takes is to swap a 10mm spacer from being under the stem to being over the stem to make all the difference you need. Most newer bikes come with a steerer tube diameter of 1 and 1/8 in. Some mountain bikes come with 1.5 in. steerer tube and older bikes usually accommodate a 1 in steerer tube diameter only. Handlebar Clamp DiameterHowever, you can still find quill stems on some retro-style fixies and singlespeed bikes, as well as some boutique custom builds or cheaper town bikes. Bike stem standards

In contrast, a short stem is usually the best option for competitive road riders. Handling is more compliant and the rider sits in a more aggressive and aerodynamic position. A short stem requires more precise movements, which can feel twitchy to inexperienced riders. HybridIn other words, for example, the following stem specs that you might see are equivalent, from lowest to highest rise (and drop): Cross-country and leisure oriented mountain bikers are more concerned with fit than handling when it comes to stem length. Competitive cross-country racers generally have stems with a negative angle or drop whereas recreational riders commonly have stems with a slight rise. Comfort and Cruisers A stem is the component that connects your handlebars to the frame of your bike. A threadless stem clamps around the steerer tube of your bicycle’s fork whereas a quill stem inserts inside the top of the fork steerer tube and is held in place internally. An adjustable stem allows you to easily alter the angle of your bike on the stem itself without having to replace the entire unit. Most new bikes come with threadless stems; however, some hybrids and a lot of older bikes have quill stems.

Although this is a general outline, the stem length should be decided based on a complete bike fit. This depends on your torso length, arm length and flexibility. Take into account that frame size will play a large role in determining the correct stem length. The main construction material for stems is alloy. There are also some carbon models and some even rarer titanium ones. Having the right stem on your bike can make all the difference in comfort and handling. Changing this small part is an easy way to tailor your bike to fit you better and meet your specific needs. You can also upgrade your stem to save weight or customize its colour. Types of Stems The only exception to this handlebar clamp size is the new Deda 35 system which is, you’ve guessed it, 35mm and needs a corresponding bar and stem. Similar to stem length, you will have to experiment with stem rise to find the ideal balance of pedalling comfort and handling response.

Hope Gravity Stem

Stems between 100-120mm of length are known as long stems and anything below 90mm is considered as short stems. Generally on a road bike stems tend not to be shorter than 90mm and longer than 130mm. Regular riders will want a fairly neutral position so will go with a slight rise, say 6° or 7° and a middling length according to their needs and position.