Bicycle Mechanics - Stem Help

Hi Bike Mechanics!

I have an older Fisher Marlin (2000 that I bought new) anyway I just recently got a much needed tune up with new cables a new seat and I threw some street tires, more comfy grips and a Nashbar Gel Seat on it. But I can't ride the damn thing for any length of time because I get severe pain in my wrists :( (on my Motorcycles I have high handlebars that allow me not to put any weight on my wrists while standing on the footpegs). I'm 6'1 and the bike is a size Large, It used to work perfect for me but I had it parked up after I broke it on a trail ride in Texas about 4 years ago; and these Joint pains have become real bad in the last couple years.

So I don't wanna dish out a bunch of money on a new bike since this one is perfect (just not fitting perfect). I'd like to put one of those stems like a Hybrid/Comfort bike has and some higher Bars too (I may have to get the bike re-cabled again if I go too high :notamused: Anyway can I but those parts online? Nashbar etc doesn't seem to have such a thing in their catalog....

TIA for anyhelp

here's the bike
this link shows the stem better
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2788590912_ec8f83dffe_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2788590912_ec8f83dffe.jpg

I want something high like this
http://www.islandsportshop.com/Images/C_M_Frevo.jpg

The one in the picture is not threadless (i think, maybe im wrong,)

What are u looking for is an adjustable threadless stem, what i do not know is if your fork is 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 inches...

http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=details&PageID=30&SKU=SM2080

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Downhill-Adjustable-Mountain-Bike-Stem/3062358/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11200283

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Adjustable-Threadless-25-4mm-Silver/dp/B000C129YC

What i would do first is to put a shorter stem and get another seat, A road type of seat. Those buffy seats are pretty bad in my opinion because u have no support, too much padding or gel. People tend to buy them because the arss wont hurt?? but the thruth is that are pretty bad for the back and for pedaling. Its just like buying a sofa that has too much padding, so much that after a couple of hours seated watching TV your lower back hurts and u end up seated in the floor after wards

A good road seat will give you the support you need, the arss will hurt a little untill u get used to it (now you know why some saddles cost 20 bucks and other ones 300 bucks,) the saddle must be parallel to the floor, if the nose of the saddle is going down (your case) all the body weight will go forward to your shoulders and hands, probably thats why they hurt. U have to get a level tool for this.

Secondly, move the seat backwards a little bit, 1 inch or two if you can. That will make the ride softer.

Before spending more money just adjuts the seat, Saddle parallel to the ground and backwards one inch or two, lower the seat height half an inch also, if the seat goes back your legs will be more streched so you have to lower a little the seat height to keep everything sort of even. Go rding to test. If the problem still bothers you go to stage two, a new stem and stuff as you thought.

Good luck :)

Thanks UltraMan!

I adjusted the seat and will see how much a difference it makes(I don't have a bubble level I just moved it back and tilted it up a notch). I'll do some searching on MTBR to see if I can drum up the specs on the Fork, I have the Manual for the fork and the bike but neither tell me what the Diameter is:crash:

edit: found it in the Archives of Fisher's site it's : Steel 1&1/8" sealed | Aheadset so I'll probably end up getting one of those Adj. Stems in that size. Thanks again.

Let us know what happen... :)

Try some Ergon grips, they might help...
http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/grips/index.html?WYSESSID=m7tqkvq9f37op74escjocmi9j0

OMFG It's sooo much nicer with an Adjustable Stem!

I moved the seat down and back and picked up a Adjustable stem at the LBS for $40 it took 5mins to swap on and I took it for a little ride. They could be higher still; but this is 100x better than it was. As I build up more endurance I'll look for a better saddle down the line.

Thanks for all the help!

OMFG It's sooo much nicer with an Adjustable Stem!

I moved the seat down and back and picked up a Adjustable stem at the LBS for $40 it took 5mins to swap on and I took it for a little ride. They could be higher still; but this is 100x better than it was. As I build up more endurance I'll look for a better saddle down the line.

Thanks for all the help!
Awesome! This site is awash with people complaining that their bars are too low or frame is too long, when in fact it is often the simplest little changes that make a world of difference.

When it is time for a tune up you should try to find some higher bars - looks like yours have 1" or less of rise - look for some hybrid bars with 2 or 3" of rise and more sweep... here is an example...

http://www.speedgoat.com/productB.asp?part=118665&cat=24&brand=1109 (http://www.speedgoat.com/productB.asp?part=118665&cat=24&brand=1109)

Now go ride your bike!