So, I fitted the 30 degree (105mm) riser stem this morning and took it for brief spin. Here a photo:
IMG_2570.jpg
Saddle to bar drop is now only about 3cm.
My impressions so far:
1) The already tall bike (high BB) felt even taller!
2) Steering initially felt a bit weird but I quickly got used to it. It does feel a bit less "direct" having the bars so far above the steering tube, but I was able to adapt.
3) Riding out of the saddle felt as though I had more control, which was a surprise. With the lower bars I would have thought I would have more weight over the front wheel and more control, but the higher bars feel better.
4) Riding on the drops is considerably more comfortable. With the lower bars I felt I could go over the bars when I braked because more of my weight was forward.
5) Shoulder comfort (the main point of this) felt somewhat better, but I felt I had more room to bend my elbows and relax into the position. When I concentrated on relaxing, it felt quite a bit better.
6) The downsides: my saddle position now feels wrong and I think there is more weight on my hands. I did wonder whether the saddle is now slightly pointing downwards causing me to slip forward, but it may be an side effect of the bar position.
I have really struggled to get a comfortable saddle position (it's a Fizik Antares VS). I moved the saddle forward to get my sit-bones located on the widest part, but now I feel I'm sitting even further forward, and there's no more adjustment in the rail; it makes no sense because the reach has been reduced. I find I have to push my butt backward to get comfortable. I really don't know what the problem is - maybe time to try a different saddle with more of a curve (Fizik Aliante, Specialised Romin, Selle SMP etc.).
I'll try a longer ride with the riser stem (provided I can sort out the saddle comfort), and then try the 120mm 8 degree stem when I get it.
These will be my last experiments I think. I've had a bike fit which made it better, but not great. I may try a new saddle. After this, I think I'll sell this and buy another bike - I'm wasting too much time on bike fit questions!