Originally Posted by
Dave Cutter
Your bicycle already has the shorter stem (turned up to raise the bars).... nothing wrong there. It looks like you've moved the brifters up... or back slightly as well. Tilting it back would be the next step in both raising (adding height) to the bars as well as very slightly positioning them rearward. Should I assume you've also moved the saddle forward and lowered the seat to the point where you have slight knee discomfort on long rides?
There isn't anything wrong with your adjustments. And titling the handlebars up a few degrees will NOT hurt the bikes appearance.
But it possible that the bike is properly set-up (or
was) and that additional adjustments and changes are just putting it further out of what would be a proper (and comfortable) fit. Or... it could be the bike is a bit too large for you. It's impossible to tell from this vantage point. Youtube videos might help you with the setup:
I bought the bike used a few months ago, first road bike. I didn't do a professional fit but I did spend a good hour or two with my buddy fitting it with some of the top YouTube videos as a guide. Throughout the fit, I did not adjust anything with the handlebars. I did my first 50 mile ride last week and all was good (except my taint which I realized is due to my saddle being almost 20 mm too narrow) however, I just feel a tiny bit stretched on the hoods still. I believe the bike is the proper size and I'd rather not use a shorter stem (90 currently) if not necessary. I guess I was just curious if it would be unusual to have the bars tilted up a few more degrees. Judging by the increments that show on the front of the bars I'm guessing itd be no problem since there are still a few notches left.