[Sunks000]

I recently got a new bike and I need to raise the stem up an inch or two for a more comfortable fit... how do I do this? It is a threadless stem... I cannot figure out a way to losen up the headset, I am not even sure if that is the right way to do this. Please help...

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[fogrider]

you're out of luck. if the bike was built without any extra steerer tube above the stem, your options are limited.

if you have extra steertube above your stem, just move spacers below the stem.

next, the easy thing to do is to flip your stem. many stems are flat in one way and rise when flipped.

if this is not enough, you could get a stem with more rise or a stem that is adjustable. http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=10679&PID=1204522

you could get an extension to the steerertube:
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=4264&PID=1204522

or you could get a new fork with a long steerertube.

[Ronsonic]

Like Fog suggested you may be able to remove the stem and flip it over for more height. Otherwise you'll need a new stem.

You sound like you should really get someone with some experience on this job. Just for safety.

Ron

[slagjumper]

Asside from getting a new fork and cutting it longer, there is not much you can do. If you are reaching too far, you could try a shorter stem.

[dobber]

It's a matter of how much height your trying to gain. You could go with a stem with a great angle which would raise the bars but depending on the length, the bars would also move horizontally. A bit of geometry wrangling would let you calculate the effect. You might have to move to a mountain bar stem (25.4mm clamp diameter) like the Salsa SUL to get enough rise.

[i_r_beej]

Salsa produces a quite extensive line of stems-- their Moto Ace SUL (Stiff Upper Lip)-- that feature angles not found on a majority of other manufacturer's stems.

http://www.salsacycles.com/comps_stems.html

The stem with the greatest rise-- 40-degrees-- has a 25.4 mm clamp for mountain bike handlebars. Hopefully you have some drops with this clamp diameter-- my Bontrager CX drops and Midge bar do. The Moto Ace SUL stems run about US$40.00.

I wouldn't recommend an adjustable stem for off-road (actual cyclocross) use. Or, rather, I wouldn't personnaly trust them so I couldn't recommend their use.

If you don't have a 25.4mm clamp drop bar? You could buy one and a new stem. Although this might not be significantly less expensive than buying a new steel fork.

[dobber]

If you don't have a 25.4mm clamp drop bar? You could buy one and a new stem. Although this might not be significantly less expensive than buying a new steel fork.

I'd just run the 26mm drop in the 25.4, assuming it's a pop top type stem like the Salsa. Then again, a perfect opportunity to pick up a set of Midge drops, those things are the cat's meow.

[i_r_beej]

Then again, a perfect opportunity to pick up a set of Midge drops, those things are the cat's meow.

That's right! I forgot!! Yeah-- definitely get a new stem AND the Midge bar!