Originally Posted by MnHPVA Guy
Been there. Done that. 20 years ago. Note extended HT.Of course now it has an even taller stem with less extension
Done that too. Sold my 22" DL-1 and bought a 24" since there is no practical way to raise the bars with rod brakes. My '58 Raleigh RRA Moderne is a 23" though a 21" would be a better fit. My plan is to make a taller clone of the original stem. When showing it off, the stem will be all the way down to the butted part of the long steerer. But it will look like the stock stem at max. height. Fortunately the Brits used to ride large frames, with little seat post showing, so it won't look too odd.
But in most cases I'd rather have crotch clearance at the cost of another 2 inches of stem.
Not when one has a passion for old British iron. (Remember, this is the Classic & Vintage forum.) A modern "Made in China" city or "Comfort" bike wouldn't satisfy that. If comfort were my only criteria, I've got 5 recumbents.
But I do think that those comfort bikes are "Plan A" for a large segment of the population.
Given the equipment and the cheap looking frame I don't know that he's "ruined" much, and he's done nothing irreversable. I assume it suits him better than it used to.
However, geometry is a valid concern. As the bars go up, the seat should go back. My Taylor wasn't as nice to ride with the high bars as my as 3 speeds with their shallower angles. When I figured out why, I went to a stem with less extension and a Brooks B-67, which can be mounted rather far rearward.
If you start with a lightweight touring frame, the longer stays mean that moving up and back won't screw up the weight distribution, as would happen with racing frame.
BTW I will be selling my Paramount track bike. Even I agree that there's no justification for putting high rise bars on that.
I justed wanted to send an olive branch out to MnHPVA Guy. I reread your post above and can appreciate what you've gone through to get comfortable on your bikes. Sorry for any flame. I think many of us do what we have to to be able to continue to ride well. I had back surgery 6 years ago for a badly herniated disc and rehabbed on my way too tall Puch Marco Polo that has very little seatpost and a short 8cm stem. I did over 2000 miles on it last year, and thought it was my permanent ticket back to riding. I'm overweight and have some permanent limitations post back surgery, but 2006 has permitted a progression back to regular rode cycling. In fact I am riding a new compact geometry bike that is on the small side for me. Anyway, hats off to you for doing the field research on fitting your bike despite your physical limitations.