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Old 10-22-07 | 08:20 PM
  #8  
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BigBlueToe
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,392
Likes: 2
From: Central Coast, CA

Bikes: Surly LHT, Specialized Rockhopper, Nashbar Touring (old), Specialized Stumpjumper (older), Nishiki Tourer (model unknown)

I am also 6'4". I bought a 62cm LHT frame and built it up. I didn't cut the steerer tube. I had problems with numb hands on my last bike, especially on multi-day tours. That bike had the bars quite a bit lower than the saddle. The seatpost was raised up to accomodate my long legs, and the threaded headset didn't allow enough height. When I finally bought a new stem (Nitto Technomic) and raised the bars, the numbness all but went away.

On the LHT I started with a stem that had quite a bit of angle to raise the bars high, and quite a bit of length because I was worried about the frame being a touch too small. It turned out the stem was too stretched out. I replaced it with one that has a lot of rise but hardly any stretch. It fits great! No numb hands yet, even on a century. I haven't taken it on tour yet.

I left the steerer tube uncut and it feels perfect. I don't mind the spacers. I'm going to try a double stem setup before I go on tour next summer, and attach the handlebar bag to the lower stem.

Here's a picture of what it looks like right now. I absolutely love it, and I'm glad there was so much capacity to raise the bars. I agree with that other guy - comfort and practicability outweigh looks, and I don't think spacers look that bad anyway. There are many colors and styles of spacers available, if you are wont to try them.
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