Stumpynerd - Shorter Stem Debate

[stumpynerd]

This debate has probably taken place, but curious on what people are running for stem length on their stumpys and the benefits.

I just ordered a 70mm Syntace Megaforce 2 stem to try out from my stock 90mm. My frame is an XL.

[erichwic]

70mm seems really short, for any bike.

[stumpynerd]

Article on shorter stems.

50mm stems – improve handling or too short? – Bike Magic

[inkpad]

I'm running a 70mm, zero rise on my Lg, 2013 Stumpy Comp HT with 780mm, 15mm rise bars. Love the way it handles! I'm 6'-1" FYI. I tried a 50mm, but it was too short for the bike IMO, & I run a 50 on my carbon Nomad trail bike.

[Mr.P]

50mm on my Enduro, & 70mm on my single speed. If I could go shorter on the SS, I would. Long TT, short stem, wide bars FTW!

P

[stumpynerd]

So far I have tried a 120mm, 100mm, and 90mm. I like the 90mm and the quicker steering response, a 70mm seems like it would be perfect for my stumpy fsr. A 50mm however might be too short, but who knows. I will eventually have an arsenal of stems to choose from!

It would be interesting to see what length people are running on their stumpy evos?

[Tech420]

I ordered a 70mm to replace the 90mm on my large FSR 29er.

[JCL]

40 or 50mm depending on course on a Stumpy Evo. I think if you need more than 70mm you need a longer reach frame.

[suspect4119]

running a 70mm Thomson with 0 rise on my 2011 SJ FSR Pro(size med)... started with a 100mm, went to 90mm and then found the 70mm to be just right and bike feels great going up and down. Also running 720mm Truvativ AKA bars and dig the wider bars.

[DAVID J]

I recently went from a 90mm/650mm stem/bars to 60mm/720 on a large stumpfsr 29er. So far so good. Years back I had a medium Burner with a 23" tt, 120mm stem and 26" bars that handled great. I think the stem length and tt length can work together in different configurations with good handling traits. Extremes at either end generally don't pan out well.

[bad andy]

My medium evo came with a 60mm. It felt good, but I had a 50mm Thomson spare so I put that on. It feels great!

[JMac47]

Of the ones shortening up their stem/reach, how many of you are running flat bars vs risers(low riser I'm assuming, or switched to)?

Inquiring mind(s).

[mantra]

70mm / 0deg rise Thomson X4 on a 26" Stumpi Evo size L with a 740mm low rise bar.

I´m 186cm tall.

[Art.C]

My large 11' SJ FSR has a 90 degree stem with a 680 low rise bar. I'm 5' 10.5" with a 31.5" inseam which is a tweener in Specie sizing.

Threads like this have encouraged me to go with wider bars and adjust the fit with a much smaller stem.

I'll be ordering the Havoc combo of 65mm stem and a 750mm riser bar tomorrow...and just hoping for the best I guess.

[stumpynerd]

Hey Art. C its just takes some fiddling. I have had a lot of trial and error over the years messing with stems, seatpost setbacks, and bars. See if your local bike shop will let you test out different stems and bars before ordering some bling for your bike.

[GnarBrahWyo]

I am looking at getting a new stem for my 2013 SJ Fsr Comp 29er (med frame) but do not know what I have. Can anyone tell me what size mine is? From what point to what point on the stem are these measured???

[PB Matrix]

^ using a metric ruler, measure from the center of the steerer tube to the middle of the handle bar. Or look on the bottom of that stem to see if it has a "60" or "70" imprinted.

[snellvilleGAbiker]

I am looking at getting a new stem for my 2013 SJ Fsr Comp 29er (med frame) but do not know what I have. Can anyone tell me what size mine is? From what point to what point on the stem are these measured???

From the pic...it looks like a 70mm

[GnarBrahWyo]

Thanks, guys.

[stumpynerd]

Hey Gnar, according to the Geo charts you should have a 75mm. I went from a 90 to a 70 and love it for my 2012 stumpy fsr. I picked up the Syntace Megaforce 2, this is a bad ass stem.

Specialized Bicycle Components

[GnarBrahWyo]

So the Syntace Megaforce 2 weighs the same as the stock stem on the new 2013 SJ 29er alloys?

[stumpynerd]

Mega Force 2 weights. Not sure on stock stem weight. Cant beat syntace 10 year warranty on their stuff, even comes with titanium bolts!

Syntace