Stem sizing question

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

I've got Noodles on my Sam with an 8 cm stem, just above saddle
height. Reach feels OK or maybe a tiny bit long.
What stem length would I want if I switch to a Soma Oxford bar?

The numbers on the Oxford are 54 cm width, 52 mm rise and 155 mm
sweep.

Riv says I would want a 11 or possibly 10 cm stem with Albas, but they
were out of stock when I wanted to order them and the Oxfords are a
lot less $$$.

Thanks, and happy Thanksgiving weekend to everyone.

Jay

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

Just to confuse things more, I think I would probably try putting the
bars a bit lower if the reach was a bit less.

[Joe Bernard]

My experience with switching from Noodles to Albas is that the reach-back is a startling difference. If 8cm is pretty good for you with the Noodles, I would recommend at least 11 for the Oxfords.

 

Joe Bernard

Vallejo, CA.

[Michael Hechmer]

Just to confuse things more.... you got that right.  If you want the bars lower, why switch?  How do the noodles feel on the drops?  Is this a solution in search of a problem?  Would dinner for two be a better idea?

Michael

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

Michael, I like the way you think.
I started with the Noodles on a 10cm stem, then switched to 8. Still
feels like the reach is a bit much.
I think the long top tube on the (1st generation) Sam is less suited
to drops.
The Oxford is only $38, although it does start to add up when you
factor in new brake levers and cables, and a good cable cutter.
My commute is about to get 50% longer and I'm trying to dial in the
bike for comfort.

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

I believe in trial and error, and starting with what you have. If you're set on the Alba/Oxford, it won't cost as much to try it with the stem you have. Of course you'll need a shim - I'm so glad the 26.0 handlebar "standard" is (nearly) dead.

Try with the stem you have and then you'll have a better idea on how much change you need out of your new stem.

Of course, a cheapie Kalloy "dirt drop" style quill stem isn't much more than a Nitto handlebar shim. The Kalloy stem only comes in 100 mm, which simplifies things.0

[PATRICK MOORE]

This is a very useful tool: http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php

When I had custom stems made by Salsa, back when they still made steel quill stems and before the web, I'd make cardboard templates that gave me a suitable precise idea of the new stem's rise and reach.

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[Minh]

I also use noodles with an 80mm stem. Brass right at seat height and would describe the fit the same way, just about right. On my quick beam with Albas I use a 110 stem and they are just about perfect.

[Brian Hanson]

I had a hard time at first with drops.  I hadn't used them in over 10 years, and was used to a flat bar, so I went back and forth between bars for a long time trying Noodles (46), Porteurs, Randonneurs (45), Albatross, B115 drops (39 - first time I liked drops), and finally Noodles (42).  I have a Miyata with Bosco bars for errands.  On that guy, I have a 13cm stem, and I needed at least a 11cm on the Albas.  Porteurs needed an 11cm, too.  On the drops, I'm at an 8cm.  

I don't think there is a great formula for how much more stem you need on a bosco/alba/oxford - It depends on where you want to hold the bar the most.  In the uprights, I like to have the flat front part stretched out quite far for the windy days or hills, so I'd recommend a stem at least 4cm longer than your drops, if that's how you will use them.  If you plan to always stay up front or at the curves, you may want it a bit closer to your normal stem, but watch out for the bar ends - they come wayyyy back...

Brian

Seattle, WA  

On Sun, Nov 25, 2012 at 7:23 PM, Minh <mgian...@gmail.com> wrote:

I also use noodles with an 80mm stem.  Brass right at seat height and would describe the fit the same way, just about right.  On my quick beam with Albas I use a 110 stem and they are just about perfect.

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