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Handle bar issue

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Old 07-12-15 | 04:22 PM
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Handle bar issue

I purchased the bike after what i thought was a life time of research I'm a novice upon test ride it was great after riding 25 miles +daily to from work I've noticed I'm having trouble reaching the bars i find myself gripping the bars with only my fingers Palm open to achieve some comfort while sacrificing other comforts and probably safety, I went to the bike shop I purchased from and they said I won't Be able to lift the bars any without buying a new fork and all so I'm asking what could I do I've heard of riser bars would that help? I know I could ask the guys at the bike shop but they seem to blow me off I guess because I don't look the part or idk.. But they seem to be uninterested in what im saying. Sorry for being long winded thanks. Oh it's a specialized sirrus elite 2015 if that helps
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Old 07-12-15 | 05:07 PM
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Bikes: 1982 Trek 930R Custom, '91 Diamondback Ascent w/ XT, XTR updates, Fuji Team Pro CF road flyer, Specialized Sirrus Gravel Convert, '09 Comencal Meta 5.5 XC, '02 Marin MBX500, '84 Gitane Criterium bike

sounds like you bought a bike that is too bi for your body... you may be able to install a shorter steering stem, but RAISING the bars ill only exacerbate the issue you are having.... you need to get the griping area of the bars CLOSER to the seat, not raise it. What year Sirrus is it? does it have a "gooseneck", a clamp-on type stem? If it's a clamp-on style steering stem then swapping it is easy, and here are several lengths and "rise angles" to choose from... "compact" bars will also move he gripping area rearward., but you will have to remove the tape and levers to swap bars.
Pics will help us to help you also....
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Old 07-12-15 | 05:11 PM
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Ummm,,, "too BIG for your body"... I sure hope the maint. fixes the input speed issue.... I type slow enough anyways!
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:04 PM
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Of course the bars can be raised and/or the reach adjusted without replacing your fork! Your LBS sucks...big time.
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:11 PM
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Thanks for the help I really appreciate it. I'll ask about the compact bars and the steering stem.
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:13 PM
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I don't know how to upload a pic here heysmellthis on Instagram ??
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:15 PM
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Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!

A shorter and/or more up-angled stem seems to be needed. Any decent bike shop (not yours) should be able to help.
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:16 PM
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Yeah it does. I asked about upgrading the cassete and what I guess he didn't want to talk about it said "I got some for 600 bucks" I guess he was going off if I look like I can't afford 600 bucks that's shut me up and it did.. But I'm doing al I can to learn I'm watching YouTube vids and learning about different bikes and all soon I hope to be a competent amateur mechanic with the forum it helps point me in the right direction.
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:21 PM
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Thanks I'll look into that
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by heysmellthis
Yeah it does. I asked about upgrading the cassete and what I guess he didn't want to talk about it said "I got some for 600 bucks" I guess he was going off if I look like I can't afford 600 bucks that's shut me up and it did.
I'm pretty sure you misunderstood the dealer. Shimano makes components with the model series "600" (aka Ultegra) and he was probably recommending a 600-series cassette. They typically go for $50 to $60.
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Old 07-12-15 | 06:32 PM
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Check the fore and aft saddle adjustment, you will be able to loosen the saddle clamp and slide the saddle forward toward the bars.
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Old 07-13-15 | 03:21 AM
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Period​.
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