Originally Posted by
no1mad
ssYou could use an adjustable stem- but once you find your "sweet spot" swap it out for a fixed one. But I'm by no means a drop bar expert, so I'll let others comment on what you are proposing to do.
Flat bars with good grips (Ergon) + bar ends makes for a pretty comfy ride. If you want to attack the wind, then you could install a clip on aero bar. Or you could try one of those butterfly/trekking bars that will get you more upright closer in, but allow you to stretch out a bit (depending on how you orientate it).
+1
Once you find a sweet spot, something like this Profile Aris stem with a 25 degree rise would work nicely:
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=32964
If you really want the stem high and you can't find a stem with the right length and rise, you can get a new fork with an uncut steerer tube and then have a bike shop size you for the new fork. Once you find the correct height, they'll cut it for you. You can only do this with a fork with an aluminum or steel steerer, full carbon forks are limited to 35-40mm of headset spacers so the handlebars tend to be low (unless the head tube is really long)
Oh and that's another thing to look out for. Get a bike with a long head tube, that'll give you more options to get your handlebar higher.