Help with stem angle/length

[indysteel]

FYI, an 83º stem can become a 97º stem simply by flipping it upside down. Many stems have the brand name both rightside up an upside down just so they look normal both ways.

If you want to try measuring your existing stem, eyeball the center line of the handlebar and the center line of the steerer. Measure between those points.

Good point, although I'd be willing to bet that when the OP's shop built up the bike, they installed the stem in the positive rise position. That just seems to be the norm anymore on non-racing bikes. But, certainly, it's worth checking.

[anaphase]

So thanks for the charts & links and for your input. Very helpful.

I did measure everything and determined that a) the stem is an 80mm not 100mm, b) that it's installed already with the higher rise. Then I went to the women-owned bike shop that is SO much better than my other LBS, and they worked with me on the fit, which is fine except for the stem. They didn't have the shorter & taller one in stock, but ordered it for me. YAY!

[Seajay]

Sounds like you were well taken care of at your new LBS. YAY. Are you OK with naming the women's owned shop?