what effect will a longer stem have on handling?

konahed · Sep 12, 2008

If I fitted a 140mm instead of the standard 130mm would it feel much different?

Max P · Sep 12, 2008

You must be very tall if running a 130mm anyway. More on this in the geometry topic yesterday but great long stems are one of the MTB items that should be left in the past...

konahed · Sep 12, 2008

Konas had long stems. The 130mm was standard on a 19 inch frame.

stevek · Sep 12, 2008

I reckon a wider arc will mean it's slightly slower to turn but you will have more leverage. Your fore and aft weight will change as you will be more forward (not so good on steep descents!) and you'll also be putting a little more load on the front - are you in a cramped position now?

konahed · Sep 12, 2008

I'm not sure if it's a bit cramped or not. I've had the bike since I was 15, I'm 32 now...just got it out of storage recently. I guess a 130mm would keep the bike in a more original state. Probably a 20 inch frame would suit me better these days, I'm 6ft1.

stevek · Sep 12, 2008

Get it out and ride it, see how it feels and go from there.

Pickle · Sep 12, 2008

I'm 6' and use 130mm stems.

I find them perfect

tintin40 · Sep 12, 2008

I like the longer stem too

These modern 110 just to short :x

clockworkgazz · Sep 12, 2008

I have just moved from a 140mm to a 110mm and prefer the sharper handling and as was mentioned before, steep descents might feel a bit more "real". I would have thought you will be used to a longish stem riding a 130mm all these years so an extra 10mm will prob. not feel to different, however as was said also, suck it and see.

The Ken · Sep 12, 2008

I find pulling wheelies much easier with a 110 so from that I figure I can pull the bike about more to get out of trouble. I am a short arsh though

what effect will a longer stem have on handling?

konahed

Max P

Senior Retro Guru

konahed

stevek

konahed

stevek

Pickle

tintin40

clockworkgazz

The Ken

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