Oakleaf, I have my Bento Box on a road bike and do not tighten the velcro on the stem very tight, just enough to keep it on. There is no interference at all with steering. There are two stem straps and then two that go around the top tube. I tighten these two fairly tight, running them under the cables on the top tube. There is no scratching of paint as the "sticky" hook part of the velcro is away from the paint and is not a problem. I occasionally have to straighten it on the tube if I load it with a camera, cell, and snacks. Your best bet is to try one that someone else has on your bicycle. There are several makers of these now with slightly different configurations...like only one strap for the stem, so try the one you plan to buy. I absolutely could not live without it.