Stem Length Explained | Mountain Bike Fit

[@CJ_YT.]

Gmbn, otherwise known as 'world record holder for most uses of the phrase 'inspires confidence' on KZbin'.

[@keirfarnum6811]

That’s very confidence inspiring.

[@elroc10]

I use a 50mm stem and a 760mm handlebar. Love it

[@quantumleap4023]

I'm having a lot of trouble trying to find the right set up because of how tall I am. Every bike I ride when I adjust the seat to my desired hight, I feel I'm falling over the front handlebars, especially with a long stem. But then a shorter stem and lower seat is unrideable cause I'm too crunched up and my knees will hit the bars. I wish There was some way I could solve the problem.

[@jaredheelbeck9125]

@@quantumleap4023 have you considered 40mm rise bars?

[@quantumleap4023]

@@jaredheelbeck9125 Yeah I know you can get those, but I haven't done it on the bike I have yet, cause I want to get a new bike soon anyway (a full suspension). I tried out on of those 'Giant' bikes and it actually seemed to fit me quite well. But now I can't buy one because of the damn baloney virus.

[@viktorekman863]

I have a 35mm stem and 30mm rise bars

[@skipper3069]

@@viktorekman863 how tall are you?

[@ablanuza76]

I've used stems from 100mm to 45mm and discovered 70mm is the sweet spot for my style of riding and the trails i go through (mix of really long, steep climbs and equally long, fast decends). Any shorter than 70mm and my front wheel starts to rise and loose traction on climbs. Longer than 70mm feels like i'm too forward during decends.

[@frissenm]

+Andrei Lanuza same here, 70mm feels the best option between agility and stability.

[@jdssurf]

How tall are you and what size bike

[@rossg964]

The end of gmbn's videos are always the best! 😂

[@bridgermurray2773]

I own an XC 29er HT and recently updated my cokpit. Switched out my 690 bars with 720mm and my 90 mm stem with 70mm 0 rise. It made a huge difference. My decending got much better, and I can't really notice any difference in climbing.

[@herculesmclovin]

What about comfort in your wrists/arms?

[@matiasn.matusjaramillo9181]

I consider trail bikes as something more aggressive than XC bikes, so I'd say trail ones need shorter stems than xc, am I right? what do you think?

[@Adthin]

No xc needs lower

[@sufix9542]

you are correct

[@pkstpr78]

Trail is for more aggressive riding (terrain) while XC is a more aggressive riding position hence the longer and a lot of time negative rise stem to allow the rider to be in a lower, more stretched out position plus the longer stem allows for more weight over the front tire on very steep climbs.

[@gabrielhanna2559]

Correct

[@quitethe2stroke881]

I don't know, I like having a shorter stem, I just feel more comfortable that way

[@AG.Floats]

Been riding with 50mm for a long long time. But just got a 35mm length Hope AM 35 stem. I can instantly feel the difference while cornering and I like it!

[@mehdigharbi8804]

Hi I bought today the 35 mm . What do you think about yours?

[@Xzefreeman]

760 bars and 35mm stem. On my not so XC specialized pitch comp 2016. I don't know why but it makes my decents much easier and controlling the bike (manuals, hops, drop offs) like a breeze. Another reason is i'm 5"7 on a 17.5 frame that i find a bit large, so the bars and stem combo works for me.

[@Janntravels]

Very useful comment. I was looking for a solid reason to purchase that 35mm spank oozy stem for my marlin 5 so I can have more controls on the trails and downhills. We have the same height and same frame size. Thanks!

[@TheGrayWolf81]

This is a great example of 'it all depends on the rider'. I'm right on max height for a medium and min height for a large frame, so I got a size large Trance. It comes with a 50mm stem, but I still felt a little stretched out. Installed a 35mm, and for the most part it feels great, though my hands tend to want to grab further than where the bars are. I feel like a 40mm with a slight rise would be perfect. As with a lot of personal things (saddles, grips, etc), you won't know until you try!

[@Choiramon]

we have the same height 5'7 my frame size is medium 17 is that okay if I use 45mm stem

[@scottwilson875]

60mm seems to be spot on for most bikes I ride . feels like best all rounder

[@1986mancini]

between 50 and 70 is best , i ride 60mm but might need to switch to 70 cause i bought a medium ripley og very small bike

[@jlpowell8432]

Just got a 2017 Enduro Elite that had a 60mm stem. I ordered the Syntace Megaforce 2 in 40mm with 6 degree rise. with 780mm bars I do feel that sweeping motion.

[@recipehacker9752]

My boyfriend thinks his stem is too short. I tell him that stem length is not everything ...hmm, poor guy’s always worrying about his cockpit.

[@papuc4289]

Nailed it lol

[@Professor-8]

Oh... good thing I have a 120mm stem

[@antjoshwww]

Change it that's a Softail

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521]

Sophia Chen wow your a filthy girl lol nice 👍🏻

[@iiibetsyiii1387]

That’s all I think about 😂

[@Leo_Inclan]

Came looking for this after trying a shorter stem on my trailbike and not liking the change. DAMN THIS VIDEO IS OOOOOOLD

[@ShinobiDiabolik]

I ride twenty niner hard tail XC MTB. i use two stems, which i change according to the expected ride. If i expect to go on technical rides, where i need my bike to be more agile and more maneuverable, i use my 55 mm stem. If i co to climbs or long rides, where i need pedaling efficiency, and i can sacrifice some maneuverability and some agility, i use my 110 mm stem. You also forget to say that pedaling efficiency also changes with the stem. with longer stem, your weight is moved forward, which leads to more weight on the front tire, this must be addressed in front suspension stiffness issue, and this also makes your pedaling easier, you are more efficient in pedaling because your weight move more between both wheels. On shorter stem, your weight moves back, this load the rear wheel more than your front. this makes pedaling a bit harder. it is also easier to lift your bike's front wheel, and lift it more on shorter stem than longer stem.

[@Kenevoslcomp777]

I went from 50 to 80mm like 18 years ago on my downhill bike and made the bike feel so much more rigid and better descending

[@shwndh]

I've seen a few people with stems that are actually too short for them. They followed the trend instead of making the rider happy. Sometimes a longer stem is better because....that's what fits you best.

[@Junior-fd8ux]

Thank you for explaining. I’m 6’4” and my new trek marlin 7’s handlebars are slammed low! Ordering the Renthal fathers with the right Renthal stem to match

[@SufferingAddict88]

as someone coming from the road the first thing I did to my XC bike was to buy a 110mm stem and and 600mm handle bar... Those ultra wide bars with super short stem feel super weird to me and only make sense (to me) on difficult descends.

[@UKSHARPSHOOTER78]

760mm bars 50mm stem xc/trail hardtail sweet spot 👌

[@iiibetsyiii1387]

I use i 50 my stem and 800 bars amazing control of my bike

[@DrJorgeJuarez-Mx]

GMBN, you are the best! Greetings from Mexico

[@mukalmanhas]

Que pasa

[@sebastianz1597]

I use 620mm wide bar and 110mm stem Im thinking about going 760mm bar what stem shud I try

[@tiagoei]

Guys, again, thanks a lot for your vídeos! That saves me! I didnt find a good vídeo in portuguese explaining about stem sizes...

[@sdcoffeeroaster]

Seems like a short stem works pretty good with very straight bars but if the bars have any sweep back angle then a short stem can become twitchy at slow speeds. I'm trying out a 70mm stem now for that reason with Salsa Rustler bars because 50mm just felt too twitchy. I like bit of sweep back for comfort and that seems to reduce the "effective" stem length geometrically and from a steering feel as well. Anyone else experience the same effect? Going to ride with the 70mm tomorrow to see how it behaves on the trail.

[@TheMrDavidCurran]

You really have to think about your frame as well. If your XC bike has a head angle of 71° and you throw a 40mm stem on, you'll crash. In this case, the longer stem slows down the lever arm and makes your steering slower.

[@lil23rds58]

i have a 780 bars and 60mm stem is that okey?

[@evanadram21]

Hi guys. If you could do a video on how to scrub that would be amazing. I'm trying to work on it, but I just can't get the hang of it. Maybe also throw some style in there :)

[@thorinplays8563]

I use 30 mill stem and 780 mill handlebar. So so sick 🔥🤘🏼

[@joar2999]

Is a stem raiser (35 degrees) better for posture on your neck and back? Can anyone give me an advice on this. Thnks

[@kaedeschulz5422]

It's a combination of many things. If low rise bars are being paired with such a stem you have a similar hight to high rise bars on a straight stem. The neck and back thing is a matter of cockpit, the bike's geo and bike fit.

[@tonybrown9779]

I sold my Anthem X for a new Trance Advanced 0. I'm only 173cm but have long feet size 45 and short thighs so saddle way forward. They sold me a medium but it felt too short so the shop swapped out the 50mm stem for a 75 to make it fit my long torso & arms yet keep the correct saddle position for pedalling. I've never spent anything like it for the perfect bike which now feels anything but perfect. Good on climbs but scatty on descents. Don't whether to go back to the 50mm and push the saddle back & sacrifice pedalling efficiency or just get used to it. I do have to look after my knees which are shot after years of football & mogul skiing (4 knee operations and hamstrings re-attached to bone). Doing my head in.

[@gmbn]

Generally we would say that anything over a 75mm stem for a trail/enduro bike is too long. As you said, it doesn't feel great on descents. What you can try do is lower the stem. The Giant's generally come with a tall top cap on the headset, so if you get a shorter one, this will extend the reach a bit, making the 50mm feel more comfortable. If you can, maybe look at a 60mm stem. This would balance it better.

[@damiansmith391]

I have 33mm stem with 750mm handlebar, bronson, 5'7.5

[@bt147258]

Will a longer stem translate to more traction at front for cornering?

[@Sounds_about_right]

Yes as it throws your centre of gravity forward, putting more weight on the front

Hi from Colombia! I am a begginer on mtb, i practice XC since january. I want to change mi stem for a neutral or 0 degree stem, what is your advice? Thanks!

[@expat1902]

Is there an outtakes reel available? Surely the subject can't have been without guffaws?

[@feelingzesty8677]

I buy my frames a tad bug and just get a short stem

[@oscarpatterso6254]

I’m using a budget xc bike for trails and jumping and I want more responsive steering so I’m gonna get a 35 or 45 mm stem

[@DXTBOW]

Can you give insights on the proper handlebar length?

[@jmanswat2457]

Generally...

[@jaysealenduro5618]

nice tips...but how many mm of stem is the best for enduro?

[@spencerpras]

Great video guys!

[@lachlanmtb7540]

this helped a lot. Thanks!

[@Sa1nt_LT]

what you recomend for e bike with 50kmh riding?

[@randomthoughts8346]

can i ask ? what if i dont do trail i must use long stem?

[@mashed9603]

Great video lads

[@tobygraham45]

Would a shorter stem help with manuals?

[@wylyy]

..I think it will I have like a cross country/trail bike stem going on and i find it pretty hard to wheelie (i still can wheelie) but i tried a bike with a shorter stem and i felt way better when i tried to wheelie it and lift up the front wheel in general

[@wylyy]

I ordered a new handlebar and i'm looking forward to install it with a shorter stem

[@jeffbryanceatabuena8500]

Wyly MTB does stem have different diameter? my stem new stem keep sliding even i tighten it correctly

[@johnnnewmex]

Yes because you'll be a bit further back when moving weight to the rear. But having a longer front center (and short chainstays) like many modern trail bikes also makes it easier...just due to the leverage. For example, I had 3 different bikes with the same 55mm stem. The easiest to lift the front wheel was the bike with the longest reach. But it was also the hardest to weight the front wheel when cornering. Tradeoffs.

[@PB_Chill]

With most newer Enduro (AM) bikes having a 65 degree HTA, a 50mm might be necessary to get balanced even when going down steeps.

[@travisslater3573]

I have a 60mm enduro stem on my 29er hard tail xc bike

[@ertai222]

Is there a huge difference between 50 and 60mm? The particular brand of stem I'm looking at doesn't have a 50 mm option. The lowest is 60. Would i notice much going from 50 to 60mm?

[@Ryan-yi6su]

Great video for newer geometry bikes what about an older 2005 Trek fuel 80 with older geometry with 26 tires. My stem is 120 mm I'm wondering if I go to 60 maybe my geometry will be completely off?

[@mattmarshman1721]

What stem length would you recommend for a 140 mm trail bike with a 750 mm wide bar?

[@gmbn]

It is hard to say, but personally I would go for a 50 or 60mm on a bike like that. Neil

[@jaysealenduro5618]

Matt Marshman i have desame question too for my remedy 27.5 but thanks for the advices 60 or 50mm😃👍👍

[@corpie3100]

ive got a giant with 140mm travel 760 bars 35mm stem ;) but 60 would be the better all rounder bro

[@highhaaaaays2378]

Is it okay to use a 6 negative stem and a rise handlebar?

[@peteherrera1502]

Can you take a photo of a 50mm stem and a 70mm stem side by side?

[@sdj7122]

what do you think about 80mm +6 degrees ? I had 110mm +12 degree stem and it feels a little long for me. I use bike for general MTB ride on flat

[@AndyInTheUK]

Just ordered a 60mm stem. Current one is 115mm and very flat. Great for the road or going up long climbs but dead scary coming down. I will switch over when I get to the top to come down on the 60mm. 😂 Any thoughts about the rise angle? I had to decide between 7˚, 17˚, and 35˚ so I went for the middle one.

[@jojoaspi7398]

Ok. So you're saying, the main reason why the long stem is more for keeping control of the front wheel and not necessarily making the bike climb easier on the uphills? I use a 40mm stem myself on my trail bike and I don't see the need for a longer stem on any modern trail or enduro bike.

[@7storm776]

Great information... Thank you!

[@davelovell8631]

Is there a product I can buy like the mondraker on off stem? I want a stem that puts the handlebars directly above the steer post.

[@supermansr44]

Can you please explain the degree on the stem? I'm 6'5 and ride a Trek Fuel EX8 XL. The factory stem is too long and I would like to get a shorter stem. Just don't understand the degree angle

[@RxMTB]

How do you measure the stem length. Is it its full length or from center bolt to center of handle bar? Does the "twitchy-ness" of a bike arise from a short stem length?

[@justinf6758]

I've been wondering the same

[@TheMrDavidCurran]

+Justin F Measurement comes from the centre of the compression bolt (star nut) to the centre or the handle bar clamp.

[@iainthavinthat]

center of anus to center of mouth

[@danielkopaee9241]

+Christian Moniz i would say long stems are way more twitchy

[@RxMTB]

Ohh, really? I'm just going based off the video where he said a longer stem makes it feel like a long, sweeping motion to make a turn - more rider input for a turn. Short stem being more nimble. Reason I'm asking is because I want to make my AM bike a little more responsive in turns, or a little more nimble. What should I experiment with to start? A 5mm or 10mm shorter stem than what I currently use? Thanks guys!

[@infectedN8]

What is better ? To go size down in trail bike with longer stem or larger bike (1 size up) with shortest stem as possible ? I am on the edge of XL (186-194) and I have RB Bandit 475 - I am 188.5cm tall and have 50mm stem, but I am considering switching for 30mm. What is your opinion ? size L with 50-60mm stem would be better than XL with 30mm ? Size L is 2cm shorter (reach) than XL. I took measurements of my other body parts [not that one] and Size calculator in the website of manufacturer said I should take XL.

[@richardjones3932]

Hyia I did have a 50mm but got a 70 on now I'm 6 ft 3 found it better for my height put it on today can you answer me do you loose any strength by making it longer going downhill

[@laurentpk]

Very helpful. Thanks again guys! 😊👍

[@alinghi008]

785mm bars and 40mm stem on my xc bike :P (only bike i own)

[@mattlaw2993]

I am 6' and have just put 800 bars with a 40mm Stem (Renthal Apex and Fat Bars) on my large Orbea Rallon x10 160mm travel All Mountain bike, I have kept the old 760 bars and 60mm stem just incase I don't get on with them. Anything to look out for other than getting out there and riding to see if it feels right to me?

[@jonienglish3231]

2016 geometry more up right riding position . longer top tube

[@jacobgreen3891]

is that for when your out on the trail or AUT AUT on the trail!

[@edfc837]

I'm thinking of 730mm bars and 50mm stem. What do you think guys?

[@darylrojo8310]

Tnx guy i have an idea now thank you very much brother

[@karincorton9692]

What is a good budget short stem??

[@shaanrakhra5483]

Upan bike stem on Amazon or wake stems

[@ttoniyt]

780mm bars and 40mm stem on my specialized enduro

[@undisputedtakim4458]

What's the name of the suspension?

[@finley_rob6980]

Hey guys I have a xc whyte 604 what length stem shall I have I have new tyres and new pedals making it more trail/ jump ready

[@benny7225]

Why does it play love me sexy from semi pro at 2:45

[@harleygarside5663]

Won't changing stem length stuff up the geometry of my bike?

[@SamoraksTechnicVehiclesYtube]

What companies aside from giant create stems that are Overdrive 2 compatible?

[@iamstrange8523]

why does neils canyon exceed has a rear suspension ??

[@jonienglish3231]

1990 stem length 150mm looked very cool !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Funny this was recommended to me after watching Blake do the long stem challenge.

[@awapuhi]

55mm 0 angle stem & 780 bars works for me

[@zho366]

what canyon bike that u ride Neil?

[@benaya6]

so for climbing I need long stem, and for downhil and fast steering I need the short one. so how do I choose? eventually I need both

[@sdqsdq6274]

nah i would choose climb stem , less taxing on the body

[@luckysulistya9509]

hello friend, I am a beginner on a mountain bike, I want to ask: my height is 180cm, my weight is 80kg, I use a size 17 bicycle ", so that it is convenient to ride a bicycle with a long stem and what is the grade?

[@maliktube7374]

Hi, my Uncle handed me down a Shogun Trail Breaker 2 Bike. Is this a good bike? I haven't got a mountain bike, only a BMX, and also know that this bike is fairly old... but is it alright for a beginner, especially as i got it free? Thanks!

[@captjerski4165]

how about 90mm with 40deg rise on a hard tail, I plan to put that on my bike cause i need more height. what do you recommend?

[@eddgreen84]

Hi guys, I'm just getting back into cycling after a few years away. I've put a lot of weight on and find that after ten minutes or so I start getting pins & needles in both hands. How could I adjust my setup to try and relieve this a little? Cheers.

[@corpie3100]

move your seat forward your leaning on your wrists :P

[@duncan1821]

what fork is that

[@GivitAgobro]

What length stem would be a good all rounder as I'm doing some down hill and lots of climbing and trial riding..??

[@panzerveps]

You should get a bike fit. That's the cheapest way for finding the correct stem length, even if it's not cheap.

[@josephesparza4280]

If you have a bike that's a little to big for you, would a shorter stem help that??

[@gmbn]

A shorter stem would definitely help if the bike is too long for you. Is there are any spacers under the stem, this will help if the front is too high. The biggest constraint would be the seat tube being too high, because there's no changing the size of the frame. But yes, a shorter stem will definitely help make the bike smaller.

[@mannyfnsc29]

Hey guys- How do you like that Sensor? I have a 2014 but I think the geometry is pretty much the same. What do you feel about the stock stem length on that 2016?..and bar width. Any thoughts would be appreciated- and thanks for another great video..

[@sx5r]

HI GUYS, I use a Canyon Spectral (size M = upper tube 596mm, reach 430mm), my "problem" is my inseam of 87cm (at 1.75m) = very long legs and short torso. Right now I have a tendency to move too far back on steep terrain and not getting enough grip on the front wheel. Does it make sense to break with the general rule a bit and go for maybe 40mm stem for the trail bike?

[@monstermayank]

My trapezius muscle gets tired while riding my Scott aspect 940. My height is 180cms. Would a shorter stem help me?

[@tonibaloni12]

same here, i'm bet over too much andgot 100mm stem, i'll try to get a shorter one to see how it goes if i find a cheap one

[@recipehacker9752]

Or get a longer Trapezius

[@avi.d04]

I have a 680mm bar with 0mm stem. It feels amazing but does feel uncomfortable at times

[@DouglasGardnerTV]

780mm bars, 40mm stem (0 degrees)

[@genjitakiya8316]

Hey mate, i have a question. I have MTB 26er and my height is 5'9. And my frame size is 16.5 and i have short stem. i know my mtb is a little bit shorter than me. But im not planning to change my mtb frame coz i love 26er. Haha Is that ok if i used short stem or not? And what size should i use?

[@chadd587]

Sounds like a lot of folks in the comments section didn't check their bike size geometries before they bought. More to it than grabbing the large or medium size. Now they're sprawled way out over the fork tube trying to fit their bike.

[@NeRR2]

Some, like myself are in between sizes. I'm 1cm into the XL with specialized, which is the size that I bought.

[@TheSpade83]

31mm renthal?

[@daviddorado5632]

i just bought a nerve 9.0 size S which comes with a 70mm stem. I'm 5, 7 (170CM) and had to replace it for a 20mm longer one because i felt very narrow on the bike and my wrists took quite a beating after a 2hrs ride. Now it feels quite better but still biomecanis indicate i should fit on a longer one. i don't trust canyon pps all that much, maybe i should've bought m size. i ride a bit of everything, climb, descent, trail etc. whzt would you say i have to do? thanks

[@matearmendariz8839]

excellent video ive been waiting for this video a long time ago!!!

[@Skooteh]

given my current riding conditions i want a video about how to ride icy trails like a pro.

[@reggin_spelt_backwards]

sit on the couch and wait for summer.

[@thewirah1]

I have a 110mm stem and a 640 mm bar. Thinking about going for a shorter stem. Any length suggestions? Would I need a longer bar to compensate?

[@connor8860]

You don't need a bigger bar but 640 is definitely very small. these days I'd recommend 720mm to 780mm for anything exept downhill where you can go a bit larger

[@tmayberry7559]

How about 750 and 90 mm stem

[@Tuckersteward]

will you do a vide do on how to choose the best bike rack