Measuring stem length

Lee,
I was wondering if you could share with us the method of measuring stem length, and is this method shared by all manufacturers.

I am thinking of possibly stretching out the cockpit just slightly on my Giant STP, and was thinking maybe a slightly longer stem and possibly just a tad more rise in the bars. The stock stem measures in center to center at roughly 2cm or 20mm (I think thats right). I do not want to sacrifice too much of the responsiveness of the steering though as its great as is, its like auto pilot.
Thanks, Corbin

Hey Corbin,

– Measure your stem from the center of your steerer tube to the center of the top of your handlebar. Center to center is standard, just like with frame tubes.

– Your stock stem is probably about 50mm (5 cm). It looks like you’re confusing your inches with your centimeters. The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 was supposed to get all Americans on the metric system, but we were apparently too dumb for that. The metric system kicks butt for calculations, and that’s why scientists and engineers rock the millimeters and meters and grams and kilograms and such.

– If the bike handles like it’s on “auto pilot,” why do you want to lengthen the stem? If it works, don’t mess with it.

– If you install a longer stem, be careful with taller bars. While a short stem and tall bars works well, a long stem and tall bars often does not.

Also read:

Stem and bars — long and low or short and high

Stem length-rise for trail bike

And so you can act smart … The metric system in the United States

Rip it!

— Lee