Sometimes even if the stem measures 1cm too long it might be the right size if the length is accounted in the reach. For example the Tavelo rise bar that is listed as 100mm stem and 75mm reach is actually 110mm stem and 65mm reach. The end result in length is exactly the same.
Some bars of course can be longer than stated. Always best to ask if someone has actually measured the bars and not just the stem.
You make a really interesting point with the Tavelo / Avro Rise example!
I was having a hard time imagining how a stated 75mm reach could physically become 65mm, but looking closely at their geometry chart, it actually makes perfect mathematical sense.
Here is what is happening:
The manufacturer measures horizontally: If you look at the Avro Rise sketch, their lines for "Length" (e.g., 100mm) and "Reach" (75mm) are perfectly horizontal (parallel to the ground).
This means the Total Horizontal Reach is 175mm.
You are measuring the physical carbon: Because the stem drops at a -10° angle, measuring along the top of the carbon stem gives you a physically longer measurement of about 110mm.
The Math: Since the total horizontal distance of the cockpit (175mm) doesn't change, shifting the imaginary center point further forward by using your 110mm stem measurement leaves exactly 65mm for the remaining handlebar reach (175 - 110 = 65).
So you are absolutely right, the end result in total length is exactly the same!
However, there is one more crucial variable: The stated reach of the bare carbon is only half the story anyway. At the end of the day, we can easily add or subtract 10–15mm of effective reach just by how high or low we position the shifter hoods on the drops.
Thanks again for pointing this out – it really shows why we can't blindly trust the spec sheets without understanding exactly how the brand measures!
