Bicycle Mechanics - Aheadset Stem - Raise to stop neck, back pain?

Hi there,

Hoping for some advice Please. I've been given a 2001 Specialized M4 Stumpjumper that has had most of its components replaced. The problem is, it is currently running a 6 degree rise 1300mm stem that just feels too low when I ride (Original spec is 120mm 10 degree rise.). I feel like I'm craning my neck up all the time and feel that if I were only an inch or so higher this would help enormously. If it is an aheadset setup and the fork steerer has been cut to size, I can't use spacers, can I? So, is the only option buying a new set of forks and leaving more steere length so I can fit some spacers for more height?

Any help appreciated.

Unless you are planning a fork replacement anyway, that's a significantly pricy option. A fork of quality comparable to the rest of your bike is going to cost several hundred dollars.

A new stem with more rise angle would be my first choice. Another option is a steer tube extender.

Thanks Retro Grouch. Are steerer extenders safe? I feel that the length of the cockpit is about right....just too low. How would I raise the bars without losing length?

Hoping for some advice Please. I've been given a 2001 Specialized M4 Stumpjumper that has had most of its components replaced. The problem is, it is currently running a 6 degree rise 1300mm stem that just feels too low when I ride (Original spec is 120mm 10 degree rise.). I feel like I'm craning my neck up all the time and feel that if I were only an inch or so higher this would help enormously. If it is an aheadset setup and the fork steerer has been cut to size, I can't use spacers, can I? So, is the only option buying a new set of forks and leaving more steere length so I can fit some spacers for more height?

Well, you could of course try a Riser Bar, perhaps combined with a new stem with a large degree rise.

Or you could try a Aheadset stem riser. There exist several such products:

Satori Heads Up:
http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/cgi-bin/quikstore.pl?product=H1031&and=1

Delta Stem Raiser:
http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=9

Both are clamped onto the fork exactly the same way you clamp a stem to fork. The advantage of this system is that it is very easy to install. The disadvantage is the new minimum height for the stem, and perhaps a slightly funny look, if you put to many spacers above the stem. So this system isn't so flexible.

BBB has another type of stem riser, that works very much like the old quill stems.
BBB BHP-20 Extender Sizes: 25.4mm / 22.2mm. / BBB BHP-21 Extender Sizes: 28.6mm / 25.4mm.
http://www.bbbparts.com/products/bike_parts/headparts/bhp20.htm

To install this, you need to:
Measure the inside diameter of you fork, so you can get the right size of stem riser.
Remove the so called 'Star "Fangled" Nut' (some call it a Spider) in the fork. (I took a piece of broomstick and a hammer, and moved the Star Nut down the fork tube)
Buy extra spacers (the silver "spacers" you see on the picture determine the height of the stem rise, so you need to place real spacers around theese.)
Know how to adjust your headset (I have a Campagnolo Hiddenset system) to remove play.

The BBB system is slightly more troublesome and intrusive to install, but has the advantage that it is easy to adjust its max height (meaning no spacers above the stem), and perhaps no minimum height. It is also cheaper than all other stem risers I have seen.

Whatever system you choose, watch the cable length. I can just about get my stem and bar unto my stem riser without stretching my cables too much.

I installed a Satori stem riser today (I had actually bought the BBB riser, but it turned out to be the wrong size). The steering and riding experience becomes rather different; much "slower" and much less "sporty". Perhaps a shorter stem could cure some of this.

--
Regards
Peter H.S.

The simple and cheap soution is to get a new stem with more rise.

They make adjustable stems.

How much have you ridden this bike? Many times, time in the saddle is what is needed to make you feel comfortable.

I've got to vote for the delta stem riser with an 80mm stem as its partner. This is very durable.

The adjustable stems are fine for cruising around, but I wouldn't trust 'em for woods bashing.
I've set a number of our police bikes using various bits; shorter, more-rise stems, stem extenders, riser bars, both... Cops like to sit up straight and look around.