How to Choose the Right Handlebar Stem Length

Why stem length matters

Your stem length plays a big role in how your bike feels to ride. It affects your reach, comfort, and handling. Unlike handlebars, there’s no universal formula – the right length depends on your body and riding style.

General guidance

  • Men’s bikes: stems typically range from 90–120 mm

  • Women’s bikes: stems are usually 70–90 mm, as many women have shorter torsos and longer legs

  • Smaller frames: often pair best with shorter stems

Professional fitting

The most accurate way to find your ideal stem length is with a professional bike fit or a visit to one of our Ribble showrooms. Our experts can measure you, adjust the setup, and make sure your position feels right.

Online customisation

When you choose a frame on our website, the stem length defaults to our recommended size for that model. If you’d like to change it, just use the customise bike option in Configurator to select a different length.

Learn more about Ribble bike fitting

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