Folding Bikes - Extending handlebar reach on a Downtube Nova

I was wondering if anyone knows of a non-destructive modification to extend the handlebar reach on a downtube nova (via an ahead, adjustable quill stem, or threaded to threadless adapter, etc)

Here's a picture of what the handlebar assembly looks like:

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9680/downtubehandlebar.jpg

The top, height adjustable piece, doesn't seem like it's removable. I took the handlebars off the clamp, and tried to pull that piece all the way up, but there's something preventing it from sliding completely out. I was thinking if I could get that piece off, I could try to find a pipe of the same size, and maybe fit an adjustable quill stem or something similar in it.

Has anyone done something similar that's applicable to this bike? Any ideas?

(EDIT for clarification: The goal is to increase the saddle to handlebar distance)

Maybe it's been a long week, but I don't understand what you want in the end. Are you too cramped in the cockpit? Do you want to be more stretched out? Do you want adjustable handlebar angles? More height, top to bottom?

Maybe it's been a long week, but I don't understand what you want in the end. Are you too cramped in the cockpit? Do you want to be more stretched out? Do you want adjustable handlebar angles? More height, top to bottom?

More stretched out (i.e. a longer saddle to handlebar distance).

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/technical/aberhallo.htm

Seems a bit short. Do you know if they make a longer version?

what's the outer diameter of the top portion of the telescoping part?
If it's 1" you could slip on a threadless stem with shim.

what's the outer diameter of the top portion of the telescoping part?
If it's 1" you could slip on a threadless stem with shim.

It's 30mm (~1 3/16 in).

30mm? that's an odd size. How accurate is that measurement? if it was 28.6mm or 29.8mm, there's still hope.

In any case, you might want to try a tandem stoker stem. The standard size for stoker stems is 27.2mm and 29.8mm, but there are other sizes, like 30.9mm and 31.6mm that can be shimmed.

30mm? that's an odd size. How accurate is that measurement? if it was 28.6mm or 29.8mm, there's still hope.

In any case, you might want to try a tandem stoker stem. The standard size for stoker stems is 27.2mm and 29.8mm, but there are other sizes, like 30.9mm and 31.6mm that can be shimmed.

I think it should be fairly accurate:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5534/img0177uy.jpg

Hm.. tandem stroker stem, interesting. A bit on the pricey side though. I'll keep it in mind.

You would definitely have to make some additional mods, but how about moustache handlebars?

You would definitely have to make some additional mods, but how about moustache handlebars?

Or bull horns (http://www.amazon.com/Origin-8-Bullhorn-Pursuit-Style-Handle/dp/B002IXWZP0) ...

http://www.irocycle.com/ProductImages/_0046_handlebar_bullhorn.jpg

Of course, you have to pay attention to the clamp diameter.

Alternatively, there are those butterfly trekking bars.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/deakins/images/trekkingpositions.jpg

But do read Tom Deakins' article (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/deakins/handlebars.html) ...

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/technical/aberhallo.htm

Another vote for the Aber Hallo or similar stem extender. I had the same problem on another folder. This solved it.

Another vote for the Aber Hallo or similar stem extender. I had the same problem on another folder. This solved it.

I was so close to getting one. Then, I installed dropbars and it did it for me. Much cheaper too.

To the OP, if the Aber Hallo is still too short, try Aber Hallo and Bull Horn bars combo. It might do the trick.

I know there's a similar product (Nitto?) to the AH that might be longer, but the name scapes me at the moment.

Good luck.

The problem is the lack of a stem. I have a Downtube and it was unrideable as delivered. Find a stem with the appropriate reach for your size (Im 5'11" and I put on a stem with a 15 degree rise that was 6" long). Both height and body type (long or short waisted) are factors in determining a correct fit. It made all the difference. This seems to be a problem with many folders; some have no stem at all and some a very short one. It might be related to how easily and compactly the bike folds. You may have to shim the stem tube for a correct fit. bertiejo

Aberhallo all the way. The best thing that's happened to non-adjustable folder stems in a long time.
http://www.bicyclerepair.co.uk/shop/images/products/ahb2307.gif
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/3093828174_312ccc20aa_z.jpg

I think it should be fairly accurate:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5534/img0177uy.jpg

Hm.. tandem stroker stem, interesting. A bit on the pricey side though. I'll keep it in mind.

looks like just a bit under 30mm. I would guess that 29.8mm stem would fit on it.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Control-Tech-25-4-x-29-8mm-Tandem-Stoker-Stem-215-255mm-/270653840388?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f0439dc04
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Control-Tech-31-8-x-29-8mm-Tandem-Stoker-Stem-190-230mm-/220687216024?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3361fbad98

The problem is the lack of a stem. I have a Downtube and it was unrideable as delivered. Find a stem with the appropriate reach for your size (Im 5'11" and I put on a stem with a 15 degree rise that was 6" long). Both height and body type (long or short waisted) are factors in determining a correct fit. It made all the difference. This seems to be a problem with many folders; some have no stem at all and some a very short one. It might be related to how easily and compactly the bike folds. You may have to shim the stem tube for a correct fit. bertiejo

Would it be possible to post some pictures of what you did to yours?

Or bull horns (http://www.amazon.com/Origin-8-Bullhorn-Pursuit-Style-Handle/dp/B002IXWZP0) ...

Alternatively, there are those butterfly trekking bars.


I like the trekking bar, but it just seems very.. crowded.

The bullhorns and mustache bar look interesting. Is there much difference between bullhorns and just installing bar-ends?

Also, would I have to replace any of my brake levers or shifter for the bullhorns or mustache bar?

I'm sure there are differences between the Downtube and the Dahons. But heads up that the Dahon forum have a few threads on this topic: extending reach with a stem.

forum.dahon.com

The thread I've read have mentioned Aber Hallo and threadless stems.

I'm sure there are differences between the Downtube and the Dahons. But heads up that the Dahon forum have a few threads on this topic: extending reach with a stem.

forum.dahon.com

The thread I've read have mentioned Aber Hallo and threadless stems.

the upper part of telescoping dahon stems is 25.4mm, so a threadless stem with a shim will work on it. The only issue might be the indent on the stem which keeps it from doing a 360.