Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Raising Handlebars/Fix Gear Cog Dawes SST

A few questions regarding making adjustments to my Dawes SST. Specs and pics here http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/sst.htm

I love the bullhorns, but on long rides (especially with a backpack) the bars are a bit low for comfort. Is there an easy way to raise them? It's a threadless stem. Could I put in spacers? Use something like this? http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=14856&category=630 ?

I've raised the angle of the bullhorn bars, but this causes pain in my wrists and doesn't raise my position that much.

Also, I'm running single speed right now but soon i want to experiment with fixed gear. Any recommendations for cogs to fit on the SST that are well suited for someone who's never rode fixed before?

Thanks.

What size frame are you using?

But the stem would be a fairly cheap fix, second best would be different bars, maybe horns with zero drop.

58cm.

+1 on horns with a zero drop. they're not too hard to find, and you could use your existing brake levers.

i bought that Dimension 125deg positive stem in 90mm and it raised the bars about 1.5-2 inches? You can go with a bit longer like 100, 110mm maybe. Zero drop bullhorns are a good idea too.

I also am using risers with a 2 inch rise and the riding position is very upright and comfortable (on my 54cm Dawes SST).

EDIT: I am running a 17t fixed cog on my SST and it feels great (71.4 gear inches).

Thanks for all the responses.

Does anyone know the size of the original steam on the SST? I'm trying to decide what size to get (70mm, 100mm, 110 etc). What will I be gaining/sacrificing/risking by going bigger or smaller?

original is 80. dont know the rise off the top of my head. +/- 10 maybe.

Flip the stem up first if it isn't already.

Sheisty is correct.

my stem size on my 54 was 70mm. a longer stem at 125 deg positve would be making your bars higher as well as longer (obviously, right?). You should be fine with 90mm - 100mm if you get that 125 degree Dimension Stem.

What do I need to get it over the fixed gear? Just the cog? Do I need a lockring?
Any suggestions as to where to buy/brand?


Also: any thoughts about black stem? http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=11187&category=630

on

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/images/sst_gallery/

not sure if that black will match the matte black.

thinking about getting the sst tonight myself, can you guys recommend me a modestly priced cog to order along with it to make it fixed?

You nee a cog and lockring.

I bought a Dura-Ace lockring and a Formula Fixed. Works fine. Cost around $30.

Great title -- a week on my Dawes SST and I'm in the same boat.

Handlebars really are uncomfortable for more than a 5-minute ride. To address the low handlebars, I'm going with a 2" riser bar and some cheap cross brake levers.

As for going fixed, I plan to get a Dura-Ace lockring (https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=10825) and Surly Track Cog (https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=7244). Should that do the job? Also, the freewheel has a 16T, but I'd like to go 17T on the fixed; should that be okay, or will I need to adjust the chain?

Thanks!