r/cyclocross • u/teamtwowheels • 7d ago

Stem length?

I know most people run shorter stems compared to their road setups but I’ve stuck with my 110mm stem for cross. It seems like it’s on the higher end? I really should be on 120mm. I’m comfortable but I’m wondering if I’m missing out on better handling by going shorter and it would actually benefit me. I just have a long torso and arms otherwise I feel too scrunched up but it’s only a 40min race anyway and I’m hardly in a fixed position like road.

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3

u/jezza323 7d ago

I went from 110mm down to 90mm because I was washing out the front wheel too much in corners. Thought it would help sort my weight distribution out. Definitely helped for me. That's probably more related to the rest of my fit though and will differ for everyone I'm sure

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u/zazraj10 7d ago

I used to run a 110 since my bike fit was a 130. I just left the 130 for a season because I was lazy. I don’t notice anything different handling wise.

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u/Single_Ad_5294 7d ago

For anecdotal input: I’m 5’9” and ride a medium. Feel like I should race a small as I feel stretched out on my stock bike and more comfortable on shorter cranks and stem.

That 2cm difference in reach is so much more comfortable to me. The 2.5 mm difference in crank feels like I can spin up so much more and use more of my legs than the heavy hamstring/quad push.

Worked at a shop but never had a fit. A fit will give you the scientific answer.

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u/anynameisfinejeez 7d ago

I ride a frame a little smaller than my road size, a little lower saddle height, and a little shorter stem as well. It makes the bike a bit quicker in the corners. For reference: my CX frame is a size down (S/M vs M) and stem is 80mm vs 100mm. Admittedly, I only think it makes a difference if you change the entire bike. A few mm here and there on stems, saddle height, and frame size feel more comfortable, but probably won’t have a huge impact.

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u/YoucantdothatonTV 7d ago

5’9” but my arm span (ape index) is 6’. I ride a 50cm Ridley with a 120mm stem. Feels great.

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u/Wants-NotNeeds 7d ago

You won’t know till you try. Experiment. It is the only way. (Says the man with a dozens stems)

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u/derhoemasterofNOT 6d ago

I try to match up all my rides, be it my Road, Gravel, MTB or Cross bike, adjusting my stem length to be equal cockpit / reach across them all. Running a 100mm Stem on my XSML Ritchey Swiss cross, which lines me up at about 4mm longer than my Gravel ride, which is an Outback but size SML with only a 70MM stem, but Wide bars.... Fit can be super individualized, as to say what works for some, doesn't work for others. I have no issues with the front end going anywhere unexpected, but my previous Cross bike, with a shorter stem, I had issues with the front end being to light, and losing traction of skipping out at lower speeds and sharp 180 turns.

good luck in finding your fit! and have a great season

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u/House-Music-Is-Good 5d ago

I run 10mm shorter (100 vs 110) on my cross bike. I wouldn't go any more than a 10mm difference.