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I've taken note that the "climbers" in the Pro ranks similar to my height (but far superior to my performance) are running 120mm+ stems, notably Contador, Rasmussen and Pellizotti. Notably, I noticed Contador kept the same stem length when he moved from a 56cm Madone to a 52cm S-Works SL3.
Using logical thinking, this must largely have to do specifically with how far over the front wheel he wants to be. That then has me questioning, would he, as well as other climbers prefer stems at this end of the length "spectrum" for more weight over the front for well...better climbing?
So I'm curious to getting some insight about this. I've heard mixed takes on where weight should ideally be for climbing. Some say rearward for more weight on the pedals, and some say forward for the exact opposite reason. Does this choice in length even have anything do with weight placement? Or does it have to do with something else likie leverage, etc?
Using logical thinking, this must largely have to do specifically with how far over the front wheel he wants to be. That then has me questioning, would he, as well as other climbers prefer stems at this end of the length "spectrum" for more weight over the front for well...better climbing?
So I'm curious to getting some insight about this. I've heard mixed takes on where weight should ideally be for climbing. Some say rearward for more weight on the pedals, and some say forward for the exact opposite reason. Does this choice in length even have anything do with weight placement? Or does it have to do with something else likie leverage, etc?