Originally Posted by
chico1st
any idea where I can find a long threaded (thats the old kind right?) stem? I have looked on a few places and the straight stems only go up to 120mm.
I basically want the longest stem i can find. (after doing some measurements apparently my bike is too short).
I suppose i could also switch to flipped trekking bars.
This is a common issue. The fix I prefer is to use a threaded to threadless quill stem adapter, about $10-15 at a bike shop. Then attach the modern stem that suits you. I would recommend, based on your description, a long stem (130 mm or so) with about 17 degrees of rise. It's easy to think you need more rise than you actually do. 17 degrees flipped up satisfies most folks.
The idea that stem length compromises handling just isn't true. The handling will feel different, perhaps more aggressive or twitchy when going to a long stem, but I wouldn't say it makes handling poorer. There are many pro riders that use very long stems because they prefer the handling and fit that way.