Stem angle question

[Kingfisher]

Ok, i'm technically challenged...is a stem angle of + or - 7 degrees the same as a stem that is just advertised as stem angle of 7 degrees? Not sure why I can't understand this?
Thanks

[RudAwkning]

Originally Posted by Kingfisher

Ok, i'm technically challenged...is a stem angle of + or - 7 degrees the same as a stem that is just advertised as stem angle of 7 degrees? Not sure why I can't understand this?
Thanks

Yes. These visuals should help you wrap your head around this.

[bikinchris]

Yes, when the stem is turned down, it's a -7 and when it's turned up, it's a +7. Both of those designations are relative to the steer tube. A stem marked -17 would be level to the ground on a steer tube with an angle of 73 degrees.

And something like 90 degree. Which means it's the same either way it's turned. And on that same steer tube, it would rise 17 degrees from level.

[MagicHour]

What everyone said above + if there are graphics make sure they will orient themselves to your preferred angle and/or are flippable (if you care about that sort of thing).

[dddd]

This one has a reversible (by rotating 180-degrees), off-axis "orbital" shim between stem and steerer, so it can be set for -16, -8, +8 or +16 degrees. I don't mind the small weight penalty, even as I have by now settled on a preferred fixed angle.

[commonguy001]

Easiest way to determine difference in fit when flipping or anything stem related is with this tool http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php
It does the math and gives you both the differences in reach and height but gives you a visual.

[pdmtong]

Originally Posted by MagicHour

What everyone said above + if there are graphics make sure they will orient themselves to your preferred angle and/or are flippable (if you care about that sort of thing).

This is a good aesthetic point. While many stems have graphics that work if the stem is (-) or (+) one example that does not is moots. You might have to re-decal this particular stem

[pjbaz]

Originally Posted by commonguy001

Easiest way to determine difference in fit when flipping or anything stem related is with this tool http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php
It does the math and gives you both the differences in reach and height but gives you a visual.

Cool link!