Fifty Plus (50+) - Trekking bar adjustments

I put trekking bars on my bike and I think I have to extend the stem. I have a 90mm adjustable stem on it now and I was wondering if there was any way to tell what size I need, or is it just trial and error? Thanks for any replys, George

I put trekking bars on my Nishiki; it took a bit of experimentation with different stems before I found one which I liked. You might find that changing the tilt angle also helps. There were a number of threads about this a while ago; pictures as well, from what I remember.

- Wil

Any of your local shops do a Bike Fit? Just a few measurements and a few questions should be able to put you where you need to be. I have always just experimented with my bikes too, but this time I'll do the math have someone help me and get this nailed down so the only fine tuning I need will be minor.

What kind of bars were already on your bike? If you went from typical drop bars to trekking bars, you may actually have to decrease your stem length. Try this site for some info.:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html

What kind of bars were already on your bike? If you went from typical drop bars to trekking bars, you may actually have to decrease your stem length. Try this site for some info.:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html


The bike had flatbars on it and I changed them out to trekking bars. I think I figured out the answer though. I think if I change the stem out from a 90mm to a 130mm that will put the brakes just about where they were before I changed the bars out. Thanks for the replys, George

George, on my Cypress I have an adjustable two piece stem made by Delta which allows me to move the arm (the part holding the bar) up and down on the stem itself for greater or lesser height, without changing the distance the bars are from the saddle. In addition, my stem sits on several spacers to give it more height. I can make as much as about 1.25 inches in adjustment up and down if I want.

Thanks Gary, I wish you didn't buy that new bike, you got my wheels rolling again. Is that sick or what?

Thanks Gary, I wish you didn't buy that new bike, you got my wheels rolling again. Is that sick or what?
Funny you say that, George. In my last reply I almost said "Don't get a higher stem, get a Specialized Roubaix!" :D

Funny you say that, George. In my last reply I almost said "Don't get a higher stem, get a Specialized Roubaix!" :D


I'm not raising them up, I'm trying to get them out farther from me, BUT I do like the way you think.:D