Road Bike Stem Length Guide And Considerations

There are many different things to consider, when you look at what components to upgrade or spec into your road bike. The temptation is to always choose and become laser focused on the larger components on the bike - such as wheels, groupset and frame.

One of the easiest components to overlook is the Road Bike Stem. The Stem is a small component, which at a basic level - connects your bike’s handlebars to the fork steerer tube - therefore controlling your road bike.

Getting this component right, allows you to enjoy and benefit from increased road bike comfort, stability, responsiveness and even aerodynamics and weight saving.

Road Bike Stem Sizes

The first consideration when buying a stem for a road bike, is to look at what size you need. Road Bike Stems typically come in 100mm and 110mm sizes, although there are 80mm road bike stems and 140mm road bike stems.

Comfortable Road Bike Stems

An upright road bike riding position is the most comfortable position for most - there are many road bikes available which have relaxed geometries available on the market. One of the best ways to improve the comfort of a road bike, is to use a shorter stem. A shorter stem provides a more upright riding position, as the rider no longer needs to reach so far for the bars. An 80mm road bike stem provides plenty of comfort and stability for those looking for a more upright riding position.

Most Stable Road Bike Stems

For riders looking for maximum stability when riding - especially when descending or riding in strong cross winds when racing - a longer stem should be chosen. Road Bike Racers use long stems, providing less comfort, but in return, these riders can enjoy increase stability and control when choosing a longer road bike stem Vs a shorter road bike stem.

Responsive Road Bike Stems

Shorter road bike stems are the best choice for riders looking for the most responsive and lively handling road bike, short stems do this by reducing the weight over the front wheel. Those commuting on a road bike, would benefit from a short stem for this reason, obstacles and slower speeds on a road bike suit a shorter stem, and as discussed above - shorter stems are also more upright, allowing commuters a better look at the road around them.

Aerodynamic Riding Position Road Bike Stems

Riders looking for the most aerodynamic riding position - will do well to choose a longer bike stem, which allows them to be more crouched over the handlebars. Improving aerodynamics is one of the most important aspects of improving speed - and body position accounts for a large part of this.

Road Bike Stem Angle

Most road bike stems have an angle between 6-18 degrees - providing the right balance of comfort and stability. A stem angled downwards would make a road bike more aerodynamic, whilst a stem angled upwards provides maximum comfort.

Road Bike Stem Considerations

Some road bikes have an integrated stem, which cannot be swapped out - others you can easily change them. A large part of finding the right road bike stem, is personal preferences and riding requirements.

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply a fantastic range of Road Bike Stems which have been handpicked from the world’s leading bike component brands. You can view the complete range across our site, and if you have any questions about the best road bike stem for your bike - please get in touch and we will be happy to help.