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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

357.0. "Handlebar Stem Extension" by KIRK::HARRISON (Bob Harrison, CIM Engineering) Tue Jun 23 1987 13:07

    I know that I need a handlebar stem with a shorter extension 
    ( horizontal length )then the one I am currently riding with.
    
    I've seen that the available extension lengths are approximately
    70mm to 140 mm. How do I properly measure the one I have now
    (which two points on the stem are the measurement) and how do
    I select the proper new extension for my reach ?
    
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357.1How do you know it's too long?VIKING::WASSERJohn A. WasserTue Jun 23 1987 13:3913
> handlebar stem ... How do I measure one 

	I think you would measure a line parallel to the ground from the 
	center of the handlebar hole to the center of the head tube axis.

> how do I select the proper new extension for my reach?

	Quick and dirty is to place the elbow on the front of the
	seat and extend the hand toward the handlebar.  The fingertips
	should just reach the bar.  If you miss by 3cm, get a stem
	that is that much shorter.

	The best solution is probably a full Fit Kit fitting.
357.2measuring extensionsCSC32::KILEYTue Jun 23 1987 18:148
    A stem extension is measured in mm. from the center of the handlebar
    to the center of the bolt in the stem.  
    
    Cinelli sells the standard stem in 70-140 mm with 5 mm. increments
    The aero is sold in a 90-140 mm with 5 mm. increments.  
    
    Laurie Kiley
    
357.3another stem length checkATHOS::NBLIAMPTISTue Jun 23 1987 20:475
    Another "quick and dirty" stem length check:
    	when you are on the drops the handlebar should obscure your
    view of the front hub.
    
    Nick B...
357.4As short as 40mm!GRUNT::KLASMANWed Jun 24 1987 22:265
You can get them as small as 40mm.  I got one at Goodale's in Nashua.  I don't 
remember the make.

Kevin

357.5Swan Stem for small extensionEUCLID::PAULHUSChris @ MLO 8-3/T13 dtn 223-6871Thu Jun 25 1987 15:275
    	If you really want a short stem, and maybe even get the handlebars
    up higher (less reach, more upright riding position), get a "Swan
    Stem".  The elite cyclists snicker at them, but many of us serious
    riders swear by them.  I believe the extension may be as small as
    20 mm on one.  - Chris
357.6If the frame don't fit, then sell it....EUREKA::REG_BN_ew E_ngland C_onservatory disks ?Thu Jun 25 1987 18:498
    re .5	Unable to unambiguously parse your comment re opinions
    of "elite cyclists" (that snicker, as in bars) vs "serious riders"
    (that swear), please elEUCLIDate ?  If a very short stem is needed,
    ahhhh, ummmm,  the problem lies somewhere else and a very short
    stem is *NOT* going to help, in fact it will lead to handling problems.

    	Reg