Spacers vs short stem
Moderator: robbosmans
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Given the choice of running a 100mm stem with 15mm of spacers or a 90mm stem with no spacers, which one would be preferable? As a clarification, there are two different size frames being compared here Handling and stiffness are the primary concerns, the two size fit identically. Thanks in advance!
Last edited by sparklywheels on Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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I'd prefer the 90mm with no spacers.
Purely on looks, definitely the latter!
15mm spacers is a lot, I'd avoid it. 1cm in stem length is less of an aesthetic issue IMO. It depends on the frame size, but a 90mm stem usually looks fine when slammed. If it were 15mm spacers and a 13cm stem it might be a different issue.
15mm spacers is a lot, I'd avoid it. 1cm in stem length is less of an aesthetic issue IMO. It depends on the frame size, but a 90mm stem usually looks fine when slammed. If it were 15mm spacers and a 13cm stem it might be a different issue.
Its been 35 years since I took geometry in school. So I cannot figure out the exact position, rise, reach etc. of the choices you present. But I am pretty sure 10cm stem and 15mm spacer IS NOT equivalent to 9cm stem and 0 spacer. I think to get the reach the same, you would need about 30mm spacers with the 10cm stem. Then the reach would be the same. But a lot lower with the 9cm stem.
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As a clarification, there are two different size frames being compared here Handling and stiffness are the primary concerns, the two size fit identically. Aesthetics are irrelevant
15mm a lot? I mean, I’d say 30mm is a lot, but 15mm is fairly ordinary..themidge wrote: ↑Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:10 pmPurely on looks, definitely the latter!
15mm spacers is a lot, I'd avoid it. 1cm in stem length is less of an aesthetic issue IMO. It depends on the frame size, but a 90mm stem usually looks fine when slammed. If it were 15mm spacers and a 13cm stem it might be a different issue.
I'd proceed with caution, first checking on the trail differences between the two frames.
I've just changed my stem from 100 to 110 and can feel the subtle difference in the bike handling, which I much prefer. It is more reach (didn't change stack) which is also noticeable but I've been able to adapt. Same frame, so different to your situation of course.
I've just changed my stem from 100 to 110 and can feel the subtle difference in the bike handling, which I much prefer. It is more reach (didn't change stack) which is also noticeable but I've been able to adapt. Same frame, so different to your situation of course.
Less is more.
If we're talking about aesthetics then yes, it is quite a lot as far as I'm concerned. Regarding function, 15mm isn't too bad IMO, 30mm would be a bit much I think.
OP, if you aren't taking looks into account, firstly, you should and secondly, a shorter stem with fewer spacers is likely to be stiffer than a longer one with more. Handling-wise, I defer to the expertise of others, I get used to most bikes' handling pretty quickly and forget about it until I ride a different bike.
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I've leaned towards a larger frame size with a shorter stem for handling preference lately, but I'm still running relatively long stems 100mm on my gravel bike and 120mm on road bikes, with a -12 or -17 if I need to get the stack down. I find the slightly longer wheelbases handle better for most conditions and the front end geo can get wonky on smaller sizes. It depends on where you are at on the frame size spectrum though.