Recumbent - How do I raise my bike stem about 6"?

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boyntonstu
07-21-02, 01:16 PM
Group,

I just finished building my FWD/PS (pedal steer) bike.

I need to raise the stem about 6" to avoid having to bend my knees out to avoid hitting the handle bars while pedaling.

Can anyone tell me how to do it?

BoyntonStu

Big Arnold
07-25-02, 12:57 PM
Just a thought but, are you able to configure a setup like my RANS V-Rex has. It's a pivot joint so you can swing-up the handle bars,....up and forward, out of the way. Than you hop on and pull the handle bars back towards you for normal riding.
boyntonstu
07-25-02, 01:03 PM
Big Arnold,

Thanks, I found a solution.


I lenghtened my stem today about 7".

This is what I did.

1> Cut the stem bottom away from the handlebar clamp.

2> Got another stem with bar holder clamp.

3> Got 10" of 3/4 electrical conduit. Perfect fit!

4> Using a bech grinder, ground down the hex head of a 3" long metric bolt that fit the quill. Originally it fit a 9/16 socket. Ended up fitting a 7/16 socket. The 7/16 socket head fits down the entire stem.

5> Welded a washer near the output of the lower stem just before the quill angle.

6> Welded the 3 pieces together.

7> Using a 1/4 drive entension 14" long, I can tighten the bolt holding the quill up against the welded in washer.

Works like a champ. Without the long stem bolt it is actually lighter than stock.

A folding bar would not work because my knees would still hit them in their down position. The stem must be raised for FWD/PS pedal steer.


BoyntonStu