stem measurement

[soreback]

what starting and ending points are used when a stem is measured for length? is it in the middle of the steerer tube to the middle of where it clamps on the handles? or is it end to end? im trying to measure my old stem to see what length i need for the new one since it doesnt say anything on the stem.

also, as far as stack height, ive seen some stems saying theyre a 40MM stack, others a 50. mine measures 38MM (1.5 inches), which i guess is a 40. or are there odd sizes like that around and i actually measured it right?

[glader60]

what starting and ending points are used when a stem is measured for length? is it in the middle of the steerer tube to the middle of where it clamps on the handles? or is it end to end? im trying to measure my old stem to see what length i need for the new one since it doesnt say anything on the stem.

also, as far as stack height, ive seen some stems saying theyre a 40MM stack, others a 50. mine measures 38MM (1.5 inches), which i guess is a 40. or are there odd sizes like that around and i actually measured it right?

yes the length is measured center of bar to center of steerer. If you have a rise to the stem you'll need to measure it using an imaginary line so the meaurement is square to the steerer.

Stem stack is the actual measurement. If you measured 38mm that's what it is, don't round up or down. If you have some spacers installed then you could get a taller stack stem and remove some spacers to keep the steerer to top of stem ~2mm measurement.

[DKEG]

what starting and ending points are used when a stem is measured for length? is it in the middle of the steerer tube to the middle of where it clamps on the handles? or is it end to end? im trying to measure my old stem to see what length i need for the new one since it doesnt say anything on the stem.

also, as far as stack height, ive seen some stems saying theyre a 40MM stack, others a 50. mine measures 38MM (1.5 inches), which i guess is a 40. or are there odd sizes like that around and i actually measured it right?
Yes, measure from center of bar to the center of the steerer tube. As for stack height, 40mm will be fine. 2mm more will raise it above the top of the steerer tube. You can remove a spacer (if needed). But I don't think it will make a difference. 50mm you will most likely have to remove a spacer or two (if you have them).

Sorry we were responding at the same time.

[soreback]

thanks for the replies. Now how do i figure out the degree of rise of the stem?? is it measured from the middle of the stem, the top, or where?? you guys can tell i wasnt a math major or mechanical engineer ;)