I think the difference is tolerated without much in the way problems primarily because once up to speed the handlebars have precious little to d o with steering, it's mostly done with weight shifts and changing the stem length has no or little effect on the critical steering parameters.
Kurt Sperry Bellingham WA
On 2/3/06, Emanuel Lowi <lowiemanuel@yahoo.ca> wrote:
>
> I've always been amazed at the variety of stem lengths
> offered for/employed on serious cycles..
>
> Cinelli made classic stems in lengths from 7cm to 14cm
> -- a difference of nearly a huge 2.5 inches! I've no
> idea what gives today -- probably more choice.
>
> It seems to this physical science ignoramus that stem
> length has a direct & immediate bearing on steering
> and handling, in combo with fork rake (which varies
> relatively slightly) and head tube angle (which also
> varies to the tune of not more than 3 degrees on
> classic racing frames).
>
> So what's up? Isn't there a rather narrow window of
> optimum stem length for ideal steering/handling? Why
> does it seem that stem length is employed as a quick &
> dirty solution to inappropriate top tube length,
> arather than it being a crucial consideration for
> optimum control of the bicycle?
>
> Emanuel Lowi
> Montreal, Quebec
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