[Randomshot]

How are stems measured? is it from the middle of steertube to middle of bars? or just the whole stem im length?

thanks in advance

 

[cracked]

it's my understanding it's Middle of ST to Middle of H-bars

 

[zebrahum]

center to center from steer tube to bar

 

[sanjuro]

Actually,

stems are measure from the center of the steerer to the center of the bars along a parallel line to level ground.

I once got into a huge argument about this, and I was wrong.

While short stems the angle of rise makes little difference, the 11cm+ stems it makes a huge difference if you measure along the stem (which is wrong) or a horizontal line.

 

[Randomshot]

awesome thanks again guys as always you've helped immensely

 

[zebrahum]

Actually,

stems are measure from the center of the steerer to the center of the bars along a parallel line to level ground.

I once got into a huge argument about this, and I was wrong.

While short stems the angle of rise makes little difference, the 11cm+ stems it makes a huge difference if you measure along the stem (which is wrong) or a horizontal line.

Not trying to call you out, just curious; but how was that argument settled? Is it a brand specific type measurement like bicycle size (bb center to top tube center vs bb center to seattube top sort of measurement) or did you come across a standard?

 

[davep]

I am curious as well. C-C is obvious, but I am not so sure that ALL are measured along the horizontal vs cord lenght......certianly coul be, but I have never seen this described as the standard anywhere.

 

[TWeerts]

measure any stem. the correct measurement will be horizontal to the ground. not the cord measurement.

 

[davep]

Cool to know. I don't own any stems that have enough rise or length to be able to accurately measure the difference with the tools I have handy.

 

[sanjuro]

Not trying to call you out, just curious; but how was that argument settled? Is it a brand specific type measurement like bicycle size (bb center to top tube center vs bb center to seattube top sort of measurement) or did you come across a standard?

Quality Bicycle Products

 

[zebrahum]

measure any stem. the correct measurement will be horizontal to the ground. not the cord measurement.

A measurement difference of just under 2mm for a 110x10deg stem, it can be hard to get that precision in measuring C to C on a stem. Suffice to say that chord or not, if a stem comes in 5mm lengths, either method will provide accurate enough results.

Quality Bicycle Products

Fair enough, but I believe this is like saying that a Continental 2.3 is the same as a Kenda 2.3 tire. The measurements are manufacturer specific even though there is a clear understanding of how to measure something. For example salsa states "Salsa measures stem length (or reach) by stating the distance from the Center of Steerer Clamp-to-Center of Bar Clamp." No mention of chord even though that's how QBP represents Salsa in the catalog.

I wish manufacturers would get on a standard and stick with it, I think QBP needs to push this. "Measure like this or find another supplier".