I have spent the last couple months making adjustments and switching out parts to make my Giant Escape 0 more comfortable and fun to ride. Ergon grips, platform pedals, and Brooks B17 saddle have all worked in my favor.
I have the saddle height, pitch, and set back dialed in the way I want. What I am still fussing with is handlebar height. I am presently riding with the handlebars a half inch higher than the saddle. This is measured with a carpenter's level across the seat to the top of the stem.
This set up with the handlebars a half inch higher than the saddle makes for efficient peddling, good climbing, and relatively descent wind resistance.....for a hybrid at least. My problem is I get pain in the neck and upper back and sense a little too much weight on my hands with this set up. When I had the seat lower and the handlebars were 2" above the saddle I was really comfortable but the peddle stroke was not as eficient.
I would like to think with more and more riding I would get comfortable with my present setup, but I doubt it. I'm old, in pretty good condition, and switched to a performance hybrid because I could no longer deal with the discomfort of being bent over on a road bike.
So, I'm thinking I need to raise my handlebars to get comfortable. What would be the best way to do that? My Escape has a threadless headset. Also, I would be interested in hearing how others have their handlebar height set. Helpful suggestions would be appreciated.