Originally Posted by
Duragrouch
(OP) All good points above; Crimson is a longtime folder contributor.
I would also add:
- Telescoping handlepost/riser (the long verticle part between the head tube and handlbars, not a horizontal "stem"), are less rigid in general than fixed height handleposts, due to slight movement at the telescoping joint, but acceptable for many. My handlepost is fixed and tapered steel and very rigid, even when climbing out of the saddle, with heavy shopping loads. Its height is equal to a telescoping post at max height, and I like high, so perfect for me. Brompton ($$$$) uses all fixed posts, but available in short, medium, and high lengths, plus flat bars or deep bent bars that can swing fore and aft for more fitting.
My seatpost is the largest diameter I have seen, 33.9mm, so very rigid, even in aluminum. Bike Friday uses skinny telescoping steel tubes for both seatpost and handlepost (in order to use standard parts like typical stems and seatposts), which are inherently more flexy (fore/aft and lateral), but may offer a small bit of suspension on both due to the flex.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. For the stem (although there isn’t really a stem per se on the stock bike)
, I was thinking of something more like the photo I’ve attached. I’m not sure it will work with the Zizzo clamp set up, but just trying to open up the cockpit a bit. I would also need to understand how the fold works. I race and ride with a lot of saddle to bar drop, so I have no worries about the bars being too low. I’m more concerned with the overall reach and sitting more upright than feels natural.