Stem Length Query

I was wondering what the relative merits of having a longer / shorter stem are?

I realise that the shortened BMX ones have increased strength and can withstand heavy landings from jumps etc but what is the advantage of having one on a street bike?

Short = twitchy steering, great for flicking you bike around - hence it's use on BMX.
Long = more stable steering, great for stability at speed - hence it's use on Road/XC MTB.

Adjust to taste.

Hmmm, so for mountain ones with a slight rise, are these good for climbing?

generally stems which rise are for comforts sake as they help you stay more upright with more weight on your ass, and put less strain on your arms, shoulders and back

Hmmm, so for mountain ones with a slight rise, are these good for climbing?

Depends, lots of factors involved, could be for comfort, or reach, maybe you have short arms compared to leg length or long arms or . . .

• the stem is quite a good place to resolve small geometry problems with your bike.
  

your best with long and zero rise for climbing, as it puts more wight over the front of the bike so you don't wheelie when your climbing steep stuff

long stems > 100mm suck ass, make the front end very wallowy, front just floats around.

oh dear , oh dear....

another cracker from dogs there

I see...

I need a new black stem but want to be reasonably upright, but with the added maneuverability a shorter stem brings (I'm riding in London). Maybe even a rise?

I checked out some Thomson models (rises of 10, 15 and 17), but wondered if there was anything else out there which fitted my spec?

You can always add risers (or spacers) underneath your stem, assuming that you have enough steerer on your forks. this will bring the bars up but allow the use of a short stem.

long stems > 100mm suck ass, make the front end very wallowy, front just floats around.

i'd have to agree with that, used to have a 120mm quill then changed to a 90mm and moved the saddle back on the rails, bike feels totally different. better position and really responsive at slow speed, exciting at high speed. everyone's a winner, wear a helmet

I see...

I need a new black stem but want to be reasonably upright, but with the added maneuverability a shorter stem brings (I'm riding in London). Maybe even a rise?

I checked out some Thomson models (rises of 10, 15 and 17), but wondered if there was anything else out there which fitted my spec?

Hundreds !

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=687

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/Cycle/7/Stems_-_Standard/

Thanks Tyan, I should have said, would prefer them not to be so logoed up, just nice sleek looking black stem is all I ask!

Length and angle of stem a real area of personal preference.

On the rise/dip front, if you are gonna be on the bike for long periods you dont want a highly agressive (i.e really low bars) riding position... go for sit up and begability for more comfort... But obviously less aero so trade off depending on what you want.

Length should only really be dependant on your bike sizing, but here trial and error come into play.

Some people seem to hate long stems as they make bike a bit (although barely) less stable and low speed weaving can be a tiny bit less responsive... but really it makes sod all difference

I had a Thomson 120 and it was far too long, swapped it for a 90 and now love it.

As above, personal prefs, but riding in town, avoiding cars, peds and potholes I want quick and responsive steering.

There are plenty of black minimal branded ones around. Reccommend Thomsons tho.

Nice one Donut, was my feeling from the outset but thought I'd canvas some opinion first. What one has you got, they heavy?

You can buy a few stems to experiment with they're fairly cheap. Thompson are a bit dear.

this topic is great, has really helped my decision to get a thomson elite 50mm, thanks everyone :)

no worries buddy!