Summary of hex wrench sizes to prepare for road bike maintenance.
For those who will be servicing their road bikes, we have compiled a list of hex wrench sizes that are commonly used for road bike maintenance and that you should have available.
Posted at: May. 16, 2022
The stem is an unassuming part, but actually has a significant impact on ride comfort and speed. In this issue, we summarize road bike stem standards and how to select one.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
First, check what standard stem is available for your road bike. There are two standards to keep in mind when choosing a stem.
The column diameter is the diameter of the fork column, and is generally 28.6mm (1-1/8”), which is called “oversize” on modern road bikes. You can check the specs on the road bike manufacturer’s website or actually measure it with a measuring tool. When measuring, do so with the spacers removed.
The clamp diameter should match the diameter of the handlebars you wish to install. In the past, 28.6mm was the most common diameter, but nowadays 31.8mm is the most common. If the crank diameter does not match the handlebar diameter, the stem cannot be fixed. Here, you can look at the description of the handlebar currently installed, or you can measure it yourself since it is a bare part.
On higher grade road bikes, there are models that run the outer cable through the stem, but in those cases, the manufacturer’s genuine product is often used.
There are two sizes of stems for road bikes as follows
Length, as the name implies, is the length of the stem and is used to adjust how far (or close) the handlebars should be positioned. The shorter the stem, the closer the handlebars are to the rider and the more upright the posture, and the longer the stem, the farther the handlebars are to the rider and the deeper the forward lean.
Angle is a factor that determines the height of the handlebars. The deeper the angle, the more extreme the handlebars rise and fall, so we dare to say “upright” and “deepen the forward lean.”
How good the angle is depends on how angled the fork of the road bike you are using is. For the past few years, the standard angle for road bikes has been horizontal to the ground.
Stems can often be flipped up and down, so if you choose a shallow-angled stem, you can use it “up for upright until you get used to it, and down for deeper forward lean once you get used to it.
The last thing to check is the stem material. Steel, aluminum, and carbon are the three major materials used here, with carbon stems being the most common in higher-end road bike models. Since the stem is a weight-bearing part, it is best to choose a material that is strong.
When choosing a carbon stem, be sure to select one from a major manufacturer such as Shimano or Deda. If you install a cheap carbon stem and it breaks while riding, it will be a serious accident.
Since it can be done with just an Allen key, stem replacement is an easy road bike customization that even beginners can do, so entry-level road bike users often use it as a way to reduce weight. However, unless the current stem is extremely heavy, it is not a cost-effective weight reduction.
A weight reduction of a few dozen grams or so is hardly noticeable, so there is almost no need to replace the stem for the sake of weight reduction.
The main purpose of replacing the stem is to optimize your position. Even just knowing the distance to the handlebars and the height of the handlebars will change your position considerably, which will greatly affect the comfort and speed of your rides.
Since changing a stem is a customization that changes your position, we recommend changing it gradually rather than suddenly changing to a stem with a completely different angle and length.
You may have to purchase multiple stems to find the one that fits you best, but an ill-fitting position will make you more tired, so replace the stem as if you were fine-tuning it.
Sponsored Link
Summary of hex wrench sizes to prepare for road bike maintenance.
For those who will be servicing their road bikes, we have compiled a list of hex wrench sizes that are commonly used for road bike maintenance and that you should have available.
Latex Butyl? Different tire tube materials and how to choose the right one.
There are two types of bicycle tire tubes, latex tubing and butyl tubing. The following is a summary of the differences between the two and which one you should choose.
Guide to Choosing Binding Pedals for Road Bikes
Binding pedals allow you to ride faster and more efficiently on your road bike. In this article, we will thoroughly explain what to look for when choosing binding pedals.
Summary of binding pedal cleat types and their respective characteristics
Cleats are the parts that connect binding pedals to shoes. Cleats are only one part, but each manufacturer has its own characteristics and differences. They are actually important parts that are linked to usability and their merits and demerits.
Advantages and disadvantages of putting sealant in road bike and MTB tires and how to choose
This section summarizes what sealants are for road bikes and MTBs, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to select sealants.
Types of valve extenders and how to select one
A valve extender, which extends the valve, is an essential item for operating deep-rim wheels on road bikes and other vehicles. The following is a summary of the different types of valve extenders, their differences, and how to select one.
Summary of brake shoes for carbon rim and wheel
When using rim brakes on carbon rim/wheels, it is essential to use special brake shoes to reduce braking force and damage to the rim. In this issue, we introduce a collection of brake shoes for carbon rim wheels.
Advantages and disadvantages of front single
The "front single" without front shifting is being increasingly adopted in MTB and gravel road bikes. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the front single.
Advantages and disadvantages of tubeless and tubeless ready tires
Tubeless and tubeless ready tires are increasingly being adopted in the latest wheels. The following is a summary of the differences, advantages and disadvantages of each, and points to keep in mind when choosing.
Advantages and disadvantages of using CO2 cylinders
The CO2 cylinder is the preferred puncture repair inflator for expert road bike users. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using CO2 cylinders for inflating, and the differences from portable pumps.
Advantages and disadvantages of tubular tires
Tubular tires are the choice of users who are concerned about performance. In this issue, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of tubular tires and what kind of users they match.
How to customize a road bike seat post and the effects you can get
Seat post customization has become a standard because it is easy and simple to do, even for beginners of road biking.
How do you determine the height of the handlebars on a road bike?
The "handlebar height" of a road bike has a significant impact on speed as well as ease of riding. This section summarizes what happens when you change the height and how to determine the right height.
Shimano road disc brake component compatibility summary
Shimano disc brake components for road use are difficult to select if you don't know about them. We have compiled a list of parts model numbers and their incompatibility, which can be difficult to understand.
What is the Q Factor? Measurement methods, how to determine appropriate values, and how to adjust
Q-factor is an important factor for improving pedaling efficiency. we summarize what Q-factor is, how to measure it, how to determine the proper value, and how to adjust it.
LOOK's Grades and Types of Binding Pedals for Road Use
LOOK is a highly regarded manufacturer of complete vehicles, and in this article, we'll take a look at the grades and types of LOOK's popular binding pedals for road use, and the differences between each model.
Summary of FSA cranks, grades and ratings
FSA cranks are often chosen as standard equipment for complete bikes. Here is a summary of their grades and why they are often rated low.
Choosing the right tires for a rainy road bike ride
Road bikes are often used for riding in the rain. In this article, we summarize tire selection for riding in the rain on a road bike.
What changes when you upgrade your Shimano rear derailleur?
One of the most modest component upgrades is the rear derailleur. Here is a summary of what changes when you upgrade your rear derailleur.
How to lighten heavy mechanical brakes.
The weight of the brakes not only affects the braking power, but also creates a significant impact on fatigue during the ride. In this article, we'll take a look at how mechanical brakes work and how you can lighten the weight of heavy brakes.