Quill stem with the longest reach?

[Karl T]

I've got a 1990 Mercian Professional that is too short for me in length, (TT 56cm c-c), stem is 110mm in length from centre of steerer bolt to centre of bars. I've been looking at buying a frame that is longer, (TT 59/60 c-c). I'm now wondering if I installed a quill stem that is 130/140mm or so, would that make up the difference? If anyone has any experience with long reach stems or knows of any particular ones I would be grateful for your help and advice. Thanks

 

[Nob]

Only issue I could see is handling issues in crosswinds even with box section rims…possibly descending at speed…

 

[Karl T]

Only issue I could see is handling issues in crosswinds even with box section rims…possibly descending at speed…

Thanks for the reply, yeah I was wondering how the longer stem might affect handling and would it put any extra pressure on the bars or the stem itself. I'd really need an extra 300mm in reach but have so far only found a 130mm cinelli stem on ebay which would give me an extra 200mm.

 

[trailwright]

I'm 6'2" and have ridden 23.5" / 58cm frames with 57cm top tubes for years now using a 130mm stem. When stationary and rocking the bars at the hoods there can be a fair mount of flex, but when actually out on the road, moving and honking up a steep climb for example I've found it to be negligible and certainly not a distraction (the sore legs do that!).

 

[trailwright]

130mm stem here...

 

[Karl T]

I'm 6'2" and have ridden 23.5" / 58cm frames with 57cm top tubes for years now using a 130mm stem. When stationary and rocking the bars at the hoods there can be a fair mount of flex, but when actually out on the road, moving and honking up a steep climb for example I've found it to be negligible and certainly not a distraction (the sore legs do that!).

Thanks for sharing your experience with the longer reach stem, I'm 6'4", I've an old Raleigh with a 59cm TT and 110mm reach stem that fits like a glove. I've just seen a 140mm reach stem that might just do the trick, I'm thinking it would be at least worth a go before abandoning the idea of keeping the Mercian.

 

[Karl T]

130mm stem here...
View attachment 629770

That looks fine to me, really appreciate the feedback, thanks.

 

[Karl T]

I've found a couple more, if anyone has any thoughts on them I'd love to hear your opinion. The ITM stem is +17°, would that mean a slight raise on the bars?

 

[trailwright]

Mirror your saddle position relative to the bottom bracket from your Raleigh to the Mercian and then that will determine the additional reach and height you'll need to adjust for with a stem for the Mercian. I once tried a smaller frame but it was the height difference that scuppered that idea rather than the reach.

 

[Karl T]

Mirror your saddle position relative to the bottom bracket from your Raleigh to the Mercian and then that will determine the additional reach and height you'll need to adjust for with a stem for the Mercian. I once tried a smaller frame but it was the height difference that scuppered that idea rather than the reach.

All the measuring I've been doing and never thought to compare the bikes side by side. I'll definitely try that, thanks for the tip.