Raise my Handlebars
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2020
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Raise my Handlebars
This older bike of mine has a Stem Quill style set up for the Handle Bar Mount. I currently have the Stem Quill at it's Max. Height line or Min. Insertion Line, however it is best described. This has left me maxed out on my Handlebar height and I would love another couple of inches minimum.
Specs On my Current Stem Quill Set Up are as follows:
STEER TUBE I/D IS ; 28.6 mm (1 1/8th" inch)
QUILL LENGTH (BAR CENTER TO BOTTOM OF STEM) IS: 100 mm
CLAMP SIZE (HANDLEBAR) IS: 25.4 mm (1.0 " inch)
So just to be clear that is a 28.6 mm inside dimension on the forks/steering tube as confirmed by the measurement on the outside diameter at the base of my Quill Stem. This is an early 90's bike and I have been finding it impossible to find a replacement quill stem that could add some height to my handle bar.
Any suggestion that could get me a few more inches of height are welcomed for this Newbie to your site. This older bike is in really good shape and I am just trying to make it a little more comfortable for some pleasure oriented riding with the Mrs.
Thanks
Lymer
Oh and I would have added a small pic with this post but as a Newbie it will not let me until I have 10 posts logged
Specs On my Current Stem Quill Set Up are as follows:
STEER TUBE I/D IS ; 28.6 mm (1 1/8th" inch)
QUILL LENGTH (BAR CENTER TO BOTTOM OF STEM) IS: 100 mm
CLAMP SIZE (HANDLEBAR) IS: 25.4 mm (1.0 " inch)
So just to be clear that is a 28.6 mm inside dimension on the forks/steering tube as confirmed by the measurement on the outside diameter at the base of my Quill Stem. This is an early 90's bike and I have been finding it impossible to find a replacement quill stem that could add some height to my handle bar.
Any suggestion that could get me a few more inches of height are welcomed for this Newbie to your site. This older bike is in really good shape and I am just trying to make it a little more comfortable for some pleasure oriented riding with the Mrs.
Thanks
Lymer
Oh and I would have added a small pic with this post but as a Newbie it will not let me until I have 10 posts logged
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2010
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From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
My usual suggestion is a Nitto Technomic stem (see, for example, https://velo-orange.com/products/nit...all-26-0-clamp). With the referenced stem you can get the shim for a 25.4 mm stem.
What may not work is the steering tube I.D. -- IIRC the standard quill was 22.2 mm. The wedge will fill some of that, but I don't know if it'll cover 6mm, or how sloppy the stem would be. Maybe one of the older mechanics here, one who remembers quill stems, can fill in the blank.
What may not work is the steering tube I.D. -- IIRC the standard quill was 22.2 mm. The wedge will fill some of that, but I don't know if it'll cover 6mm, or how sloppy the stem would be. Maybe one of the older mechanics here, one who remembers quill stems, can fill in the blank.
#3
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
There are quill stem risers adaptors out there. Sunlite (distributed to your LBS from J&B Importers with part #57669 ) is one example. Do know that the added leverage the bars will have on the steerer increases the chance of bad stuff if not installed and monitored periodically (like any lack of maintenance will do). Also not suitable for rough or excessively heavy use. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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#4
SE Wis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,556
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From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Look at a Nitto MTC-023 adaptor and then use a threadless riser stem.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=23896
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=23896
#5
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,970
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From: Elevation 666m Edmonton Canada
Bikes: 2013 Custom SA5w / Rohloff Tourster
That adapter in post #4 looks too short to me. Using the one in #2 would be crazy, and I have one for my CCM now. Shims inside are just plain dangerous IMO.
I think changing the stem is the wrong solution anyway.
Just get a monkey bar and lower the stem back down. Far easier to find cruiser bars.
My custom bike has a more common 1" insert, but still I found nothing anywhere close to what I wanted.
So I got pipes at metal mart and hacked them myself. Then took it to my friendly Midas muffler buddy for welding. LOL
I think changing the stem is the wrong solution anyway.
Just get a monkey bar and lower the stem back down. Far easier to find cruiser bars.
My custom bike has a more common 1" insert, but still I found nothing anywhere close to what I wanted.
So I got pipes at metal mart and hacked them myself. Then took it to my friendly Midas muffler buddy for welding. LOL
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 04-13-20 at 10:13 AM.
#6
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Joined: Apr 2020
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Thanks all for the reply. I checked JBI website found the Sunlite Extenders and this part number does not come up. They have a shim that I image reduces the inside diameter to a 25.4 mm. At that point I image you can just fine a suitable 25.4 mm Stem Quill with specs you need. That is my understanding anyway of this shim concept
#7
SE Wis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,556
Likes: 4,334
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
That adapter in post #4 looks too short to me.
Worst case add something like this as well. https://northwestbicycle.com/product...0aAtdDEALw_wcB
#8
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 19,381
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From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Thanks all for the reply. I checked JBI website found the Sunlite Extenders and this part number does not come up. They have a shim that I image reduces the inside diameter to a 25.4 mm. At that point I image you can just fine a suitable 25.4 mm Stem Quill with specs you need. That is my understanding anyway of this shim concept
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AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
#9
The space coyote lied.



Joined: Sep 2008
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From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
Are current bars flat? If so you can get up to 4" rise with these bars:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...5&category=516
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...5&category=516
#11
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This is a great alternative for me on this older leisure Bike I am trying to modify within a small budget plan. The price point on these New Handlebars is much less expensive then a complete thread less kit from stem to extender. I have always had to contend with the very real possibility of having a short cable issue once the bar was heightened so no surprise there. For example, I know the front brake cable is the shortest and was always likely going to have to be changed. Now my issue is to find a similar product, if possible, that is offered by a Canadian sources. If I have to I would purchase these handlebars from your link, but the exchange rates and shipping to Canada always stings me hard.
Thanks
Thanks
#12
Product Custom | D'Amour Bicycle & Sports
https://www.damourbicycle.com/retailer-filter
Last edited by alcjphil; 04-14-20 at 06:43 AM.
#13
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
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I have a bike similar to yours, and I may raise the handlebars in the future. However the stem is a smaller diameter than yours. I have been collecting the parts I need. I got the bike from the trash, and most of the parts I need are from bikes from the trash.
I have a tube which is the same diameter as the quill stem. It is actually the top of another set of forks, which is a smaller diameter, and fits neatly inside the stem of these forks. It is steel and longer than the quill stem. I plan to cut the end of the tube on an angle to fit the quill. Then buy a longer bolt, and use this tube with the quill, for the first part of the modification. With this new quill stem secured in place, I have another tube which fits neatly over this one, which I plan to clamp over it. Then I have a stem clamp which fits over this tube, and clamps to the handlebars. I picked up a trashed frame, just for the stem clamp.
If you are really creative, and check enough steel tubes for the correct diameter, you may be able to make this up yourself.
I have another one, with a different type of stem connector, which I have been working on, which I plan to post pictures soon. It may give you ideas.
Like you said, lengthening cables becomes also an issue.
I have a tube which is the same diameter as the quill stem. It is actually the top of another set of forks, which is a smaller diameter, and fits neatly inside the stem of these forks. It is steel and longer than the quill stem. I plan to cut the end of the tube on an angle to fit the quill. Then buy a longer bolt, and use this tube with the quill, for the first part of the modification. With this new quill stem secured in place, I have another tube which fits neatly over this one, which I plan to clamp over it. Then I have a stem clamp which fits over this tube, and clamps to the handlebars. I picked up a trashed frame, just for the stem clamp.
If you are really creative, and check enough steel tubes for the correct diameter, you may be able to make this up yourself.
I have another one, with a different type of stem connector, which I have been working on, which I plan to post pictures soon. It may give you ideas.
Like you said, lengthening cables becomes also an issue.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
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Here is some information on raising handlebars.
Raising the handlebars
These handlebars are connected by a different method than yours, so you can't do it exactly the same. But this may give you ideas.
Raising the handlebars
These handlebars are connected by a different method than yours, so you can't do it exactly the same. But this may give you ideas.
#15
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,060
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With your bike, find a tube which is the same diameter as the quill stem. It needs to be strong enough, and long enough. Cut the end on the same angle as the quill stem. Get a long bolt and washers, with the quill, and use it for your stem. All you need to do then is attach a stem clamp to this new stem and the handlebars.
There are other things you can do if it does not work.
There are other things you can do if it does not work.
#18
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Thanks alo.
I believe I have. After a rudimentary understandings of the various options I ultimately decided to base my decision on the needs for this old Bike of mine. Since my needs are Recreational and not what I would call heavy regular use, I had to weight cost and time into my decision process. So in the end I decided simply to follow, Lester's idea to purchase Handlebars with a rise. So I purchased New Handlebars with a rise of 80mm (3.1") and I believe this will be more than sufficient for my use. This will allow me to be up and riding this bike in a short time with the least amount of time and effort spent. A new front brake cable will most likely be needed, but that was likely inevitability anyways no matter what method I chose to raise my handlebars.
Your idea of finding the Quill Stem parts from older bikes, etc. is an interesting one and as a Sheet Metal Mechanic would not be outside my skill set with regards to any cutting, welding, fabrication, etc. However, I would still have to start searching for parts and then when, or if, I found the right ones put in the time/energy to manufacture them. This sounded like more time and frankly energy then I wanted to invest in this modification. However, the idea of keeping my eyes open for Old discarded Bikes and their salvageable parts is a fabulous one going forward now that I am considering getting back into a riding again.
The idea of a Quill Extender was my first thought during this research and I might have done that if I could have found the 28.6 mm diameter Quill Stem extender. I do not believe at this time there is any suppliers of this product and its older spec. I will say that the more research I did the more I started to have some reservation about using one anyways. There seems to be a lot of mixed opinions about their reliability and strength. Being a heavy set guy there is no doubt that I would be hitting the testing limits of any Extension of my Stem Quill. I know the one I am using now has proven itself up to the task. I is likely because it is a short Stem Quill at 42mm (1.7") maximum height ability, so there is little to no real give.
Lastly, the suggestion of a replacement of my Quill type Stem to a Thread less concept. This was the most appealing for many different reasons. However, it was also the most expensive and like I stated when I started this thread my personal needs for this Bike did not justify it to me.
So I want to thank all for your ideas and this forum for providing Newbs like me a place to bounce ideas in.
Stay Safe All
I believe I have. After a rudimentary understandings of the various options I ultimately decided to base my decision on the needs for this old Bike of mine. Since my needs are Recreational and not what I would call heavy regular use, I had to weight cost and time into my decision process. So in the end I decided simply to follow, Lester's idea to purchase Handlebars with a rise. So I purchased New Handlebars with a rise of 80mm (3.1") and I believe this will be more than sufficient for my use. This will allow me to be up and riding this bike in a short time with the least amount of time and effort spent. A new front brake cable will most likely be needed, but that was likely inevitability anyways no matter what method I chose to raise my handlebars.
Your idea of finding the Quill Stem parts from older bikes, etc. is an interesting one and as a Sheet Metal Mechanic would not be outside my skill set with regards to any cutting, welding, fabrication, etc. However, I would still have to start searching for parts and then when, or if, I found the right ones put in the time/energy to manufacture them. This sounded like more time and frankly energy then I wanted to invest in this modification. However, the idea of keeping my eyes open for Old discarded Bikes and their salvageable parts is a fabulous one going forward now that I am considering getting back into a riding again.
The idea of a Quill Extender was my first thought during this research and I might have done that if I could have found the 28.6 mm diameter Quill Stem extender. I do not believe at this time there is any suppliers of this product and its older spec. I will say that the more research I did the more I started to have some reservation about using one anyways. There seems to be a lot of mixed opinions about their reliability and strength. Being a heavy set guy there is no doubt that I would be hitting the testing limits of any Extension of my Stem Quill. I know the one I am using now has proven itself up to the task. I is likely because it is a short Stem Quill at 42mm (1.7") maximum height ability, so there is little to no real give.
Lastly, the suggestion of a replacement of my Quill type Stem to a Thread less concept. This was the most appealing for many different reasons. However, it was also the most expensive and like I stated when I started this thread my personal needs for this Bike did not justify it to me.
So I want to thank all for your ideas and this forum for providing Newbs like me a place to bounce ideas in.
Stay Safe All




