Originally Posted by
driveblind
I'm getting intrigued by the trekking bars I'm reading about here. The bars on my hybrid are pretty comfortable, but I think that I need some different positions for my longer rides (13 mile commute). A more aerodynamic position for when I'm really booking it would be great, too. What I'm wondering is whether I'd have to change my stem length so that when I had my hands in the "normal position", where the brakes and shifters would be, it wouldn't be too close for comfort.
I had to change my stem; the new one is about 1" (25.4 mm) longer. When I first installed it I was surprised by how much shorter my cockpit became. It made for an interesting ride every time I had to come off the saddle and start again at stop lights. It also felt like I was sitting quite vertically. Now, with the longer stem, not only am I comfortable on the controls but I can also stretch out. I get not only the benefit of extra hand positions, but also the ability to vary the angle of my spine while riding which adds greatly to my overall comfort.