Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

Lawng Stem

Noun

A long bicycle handlebar stem.

Example usage: My bike has a long stem for a more upright riding position.

Most used in: Mountain biking and touring.

Most used by: Cyclists who prefer a more upright riding position.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 2/10

Also see: Aero Stem, Extended Stem, Deep Reach Stem, Longer Reach Stem,

.

What is Long Stem Cycling?

Long stem cycling refers to a style of cycling that emphasizes long-distance rides. This type of cycling is popular among competitive cyclists, recreational cyclists, and those looking for an enjoyable way to stay in shape. Long stem cycling requires a certain level of fitness and stamina as rides can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day or more.

The term “long stem” is used to refer to the length of the bike's stem, which is the part of the frame that attaches the handlebars to the bike's head tube. Generally, the longer the stem, the more comfortable the ride will be as it allows the cyclist to be in a more upright position. Long stems are typically used for long-distance rides and touring, whereas shorter stems are more common in racing and mountain biking.

Statistics show that long stem cycling is becoming increasingly popular. According to the National Bicycle Touring Survey, long-distance rides are up by 25% since 2019. This is likely due to the increasing availability of bike trails and roads suitable for long-distance cycling.

Overall, long stem cycling is a great way to get out and explore while staying in shape. Whether you're a competitive cyclist or just looking for an enjoyable way to spend the day, long stem cycling is a great way to get out and enjoy the open road.

The Origin of the Term 'Long Stem' in Cycling

The term 'long stem' was first used in the cycling world during the late 1970s in Northern Europe. The term was used to describe road racing handlebars that were extended with a stem. This stem was longer than the standard stem used in early road bikes and allowed the cyclist to be in a more aerodynamic position by having the handlebars further away from the rider.

The longer stem allowed the rider to have a more aggressive position on the bike and was popular amongst professional riders. This trend spread throughout Europe and eventually became the norm for professional cyclists in the 1980s. It is still a popular choice amongst professional cyclists today.

The term 'long stem' has since been adopted in the cycling world to describe any stem that is longer than the standard stem on a road bike. This could be a stem with a length of up to 130mm or longer depending on the frame size and the needs of the rider.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER