Stem and handlebar relationship

[evolve]

I'm currently using a 110mm stem with 680 flat bars. Now I want to try 730 bars, will I have to shorten stem and if so , to what length.

[Iwan Kemp]

Rule of thumb is 10mm reduction in stem length for every 20mm your bar grows.

 

But it all depends where you start, your fit, your bike, where you ride and before long it's one big blurry internet mess.

[Iwan Kemp]

Here's an article on the topic.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/trail-tech-are-wider-bars-better-bars-36350/

 

Handlebars, Stems, and the ‘Golden Ratio’

As your handlebar length increases your reach decreases. A wider bar will shift more of your weight forward. Hence the need to run a shorter stem to keep your weight centered.

 

A wide bar is only half of the equation: a shorter stem is necessary to maintain a consistent reach: a wide bar is only half of the equation: a shorter stem is necessary to maintain a consistent reachA stubby stem helps to keep your reach relatively consistent when running a wider bar

 

The general rule of thumb is to maintain a 2:1 ratio of handlebar width to stem length: for every 20mm increase in handlebar length you should reduce your stem length by 10mm. So if you’re running 660mm bars with a 100mm stem and want to try a handlebar that is 700mm wide you will need to pair that 700mm handlebar with an 80mm stem to maintain a relatively consistent position on the bike.

 

Like most rules of thumb, this is 2:1 ratio is by no means absolute. And, as Post points out, it is only useful if you’re starting from a comfortable fit position. “If you’re already unhappy where you are all bets are off."

[evolve]

Thanks gents, luckily I'm already on a good fit, so the 2:1 should be ok.

[Spoke101]

Don't forget to take into account whether the new bar has the same rise and sweep.

[braailegend]

what? didn't even know there was a ratio

[Room Service]

I ride a 750mm bar with a 70mm stem on a Tallboy. Race it xc & marathons. Bike handles phenomenal.

[evolve]

One more question. Currently run a 17dgree negative on a 110 stem length.

So if I go 720 bar then would need 90 stem, can I go 10 degree neg sweep and that should give same ride height???